How to sum up my two years with Family Pride…life changing. It is with such a mix of emotions that I write to let you know that I am moving on from this incredibly talented, intelligent, motivated, innovative and inspiring staff. It is hard to go, but I am absolutely positive that I am leaving the members of Family Pride in the hands of the most conscientious, strategic and robust staff this organization has ever seen. I am so proud to have worked with each and every one of them.

I began my career as a grassroots healthcare and voting advocate in Washington State, and when I found Family Pride over two years ago it seemed like the perfect extension of the work I had already begun doing. Fighting for access to rights, responsibilities and protections, no matter what they are, must include all people and loving families. As a young, queer woman I thought, “If I ever want to create a family of my own, I should do the work now to make sure that I have the opportunity to do that with whomever I want, in whatever state I want, in whatever way I want.” So when Family Pride made the offer, I jumped in with both feet. It has been my absolute pleasure to be on the road so much, getting to meet families, hear their stories and build community power. Little did I know how deeply the families that I would meet in Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Massachusetts, California and all over the United States would touch me. I am forever amazed by the strength, and complete beauty of loving families.

I am happy to say that I am not leaving Family Pride, as much as I am going towards something and someone. The last week in February I will be moving to San Francisco, CA where I will become Equality California’s Field Director. I will be on the ground, spreading the message of family equality, marriage equality, and equality, period! I am happy to be able to take all that I have learned at Family Pride to a politically important state at an absolutely critical time. I am also thrilled to be going to California to finally live in the same city as my lady love, Ember. I will always be grateful to Family Pride (we met at Family Week!); we are looking forward to building our lives together.

So, it is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to Family Pride from this professional prospective. However, the staff are my dear friends, the board are lifelong mentors, and my colleagues will remain my colleagues as I continue to play different roles in this amazing movement. Moving on is always scary and exciting, so thank you for your support, good wishes and thoughts all along the way. I will be thinking of you all, very often as I continue on my journey. Here’s to LOVE, JUSICE, FAMILY and EQUALITY!