It is important to tell my story because even though I felt alone at certain times in my life, I knew I wasn't, I knew there were others out there going through the exact same thing. And people were working to make things better for gay and lesbian causes, people were standing up for rights and learning more, publishing their thoughts, motivating others, influencing legislation, operating suicide hot lines and leading parades.
Yes, fear is a pervading thought, and safety is always at the back of my mind living in my town. And as much as I would love to live where people don't blink when two people of the same sex walk down the street holding hands, this is where I am, this is where I am from and this is my community. I believe education is the key, this isn't a complex issue; it is a civil rights issue. It is about recognizing citizens in our communities who are building their families and living their lives despite homophobia and discrimination, and not pointing out the differences but the similarities, uniting communities rather than dividing them. This is who we are, this is who we love, this is where we live.
- Chelsea Fine, Josephine County
