The linked post is from the Huffington Post and it is a great read. For me there are a few big take home messages from it I’d like to highlight.
First is the very basis of the story- that we change the course of legislation by giving voice to our stories and let people know about the realities of our lives. Charelene Strong’s story is such a powerful example of that.
Her story is so powerful it moved a reluctant Washington State Legislature to protect gay and lesbian families with a limited Domestic Partnership law. Then, three years later, her story moved Washington State voters to give gay and lesbian couples all the same state rights as straight married couples under an expanded Domestic Partnership law.
But I think there is another big take home message from Charelene. Never stop aiming higher and continuing to tell your story.
She wants the country to hear Kate’s story, so Kate’s life can continue to inspire understanding and support for LGBT community.
But from me the biggest take home message is somewhat less direct. You see Charelene probably didn’t set out saying, wow, I have a great story that will do such good! Even in the middle of what was happening for her, I am pretty sure, she wasn’t excited thinking about it as a good story. It was what it was, and that is what needed to be shared. We need to make visible all of what happens for us, the good the bad, and the ugly. We only do that by each of us being willing to tell our stories. and to keep telling our stories.
In that way, you can be like Charelene. If you just start giving voice to your reality, so that others see you and hear you, a difference can be made. “Eveytime you put a face to LGBT issues, you gain votes.”
Although I’m more skeptical than Joe Mirabella perhaps, or maybe I’m reading too much into his subject line. I don’t think that Charelene is going to meet the President, and all of a sudden everything will be different. I only think that will happen when everyone is active telling their stories everywhere. On the other hand, if Charelene can take her story to the President, what is stopping you (or anyone??) from telling your own story? If we all follow that example, it certainly will change everything for the LGBT community.