30. Commissioner Patty Sheehan on Pulse shooting, Orlando culture, and women in politics

Love is love.  It was so incredible to sit down with Commissioner Patty Sheehan after the one-year memorial of the horrible Pulse Shooting in Orlando.  Commissioner Sheehan was on the ground and in the streets helping victims’ families in the wake up the shooting, but even one year later is still comforting the families, fundraising for them, and honoring the memory of their loved ones.  I was honored the Commissioner fit me into her busy schedule to discuss her life in politics these past 17 years.  As the first openly-gay elected official in Central Florida, she has worked to pass non-discrimination protections and Domestic Partnership legislation for the LGBTQ community.  She also shared the challenges she has faced being both openly gay and a woman in politics.  I loved sitting with Patty in her office as I was surrounded by colorful art, rainbow flags, Wonder Woman figurines, and the reminder that love is love.

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27. Hailey Snow: “I’m just me.” Discovery of a transgender and gay woman

Hailey Snow bravely shares her story of self-discovery.  At a very young age, she knew she was both a transgender and gay person, despite growing up in a strict Evangelical household.  She suffered through years of torment with her identity, and had no one to turn to.  I feel fortunate to share Hailey’s story and learned so much from her.  I am appalled at the unequal treatment of the LGBTQ community and hope that stories like Hailey’s will help shed light on misconceptions and stereotypes.

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