This Fall I had the opportunity to sit down and interview a woman I greatly admire. Kate Kendell is the Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. We met for coffee on a warm September morning and she shared with me about how she came from a closeted Mormon background to being one of the most out and visible lesbian activists in the United States. She also talked about meeting her partner, raising three children, how Prop 8 broke her heart and why the new enemy for lesbian rights is coming from within our community. My interview with Kate Kendell is a bit longer than my usual interviews, but I hope you'll take the time to learn more about this amazing woman and the work she is doing for our community.
By now you have probably heard of Constance McMillen and her fight to bring her girlfriend to the prom. The school canceled prom rather than let Constance take her date. That was bad enough. But it gets worse. Parents organized an alternative prom that was to take place off school property. When Constance showed up with her date, she found that a big practical joke had been played on her. While the other kids were partying away somewhere else, Constance was sent to a "fake" prom attended by only a few other students, some of whom were disabled.
It seems the whole country is rallying behind Constance. The National Center for Lesbian Rights is no different. They have invited Constance and her date to attend the NCLR Anniversary Celebration. And you can go too.
Kate Clinton and Kate Kendell will host. Vicki Randle and Will Phillips will be honored. It's May 1st, 2010 in San Francisco. Join the Kates, Constance and 2,000 other lesbians for a great cause and a wonderful party.
© Kathy Belge
Were the parents of the kids in on the joke on the girl with the prom? I’ve not heard anyone say
Great interview with Kate. I have long admired her work, her attitude, her compassion. Also coming from a Mormon background in Utah, I especially appreciate her perspectives on being conciliatory but firm in terms of ACLU work (and other progressive causes) and her understanding about the hows and whys people may not come out. Thanks for sharing your conversation with us!
Hi Kathy,
I am addicted to this site, thanks so much!
1. Reguarding Constance–>I, too, am very interested to hear the follow-up reprecussions (if any) for the cruel kids who took part in this?
2. I enjoyed reading the interviews with both Kate’s. I, of course, had to read Clinton’s first because I do love her so!
I wanted to respond to her comment on the good ol’ Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival…while it is very important to our community, the state of Michigan and it’s legislation, in my opinion, remains critically important.
I live in Michigan and the laws in this state are abysmal when it comes to LGBT issues, and rights. Rights? fugettabout it! I was shocked when I first learned that my boss can fire me, tell me it’s because I’m gay, and it be perfectly legal to do so! (I learned this in the spring of 2008 after calling the labor/discrimination hotline for Michigan). Not right, NOT o.k.
I decided to become a member of/join NCLR and GLMA around the same time, (in addition to my membership of HRC already). I do maintain my job position-which I am grateful for however, my treatment was anything but fair.
In 2009, I decided to take a bold step during my annual performance evaluation. I gave my director a copy of the 2008 Healthcare Equality Index. I pointed out the findings of the three participants in Michigan with their impressive results. I volunteered to lead/chair any and all initiatives/commitees to achieve similar goals through policy changes.
Now over one year later, without approval, policies remain in place; unchanged.
Michigan is also one of the minority states that will not even recognize a legal (out-of-state) marriage between same-sex spouses! Oh, but they will allow the non-biological parent legal adoption…As long as the non-biological parent is MARRIED to the biological parent. WOW, thanks for the brick wall, Michigan.
Then, on April 15, I can see a sliver of light. Obama’s ruling. Big news. I can’t wait to read about it in our organization’s daily briefing/newsletter!
Waiting. Excitement fading to disappointment.
Without mention of any said law, (verbal/written/e-mail/newsletter) on April 22 I sent my director a copy of Obama’s ruling asking that it be posted for all staff to read. With CEO approval, of course.
Hmm, now that I ease down off the soapbox maybe this comment would be best left under a different post or blog or forum?
I don’t know, but I do feel better. THANKS! haha
peacefully yours,
–northernurse