“I was born in Chicago, in an Irish family. I went out of the closet when I was about 17 years old and since then I have always tried to live openly.
In Chicago, in the '80s I belonged to the "Pink Angels", a volunteer group that was formed to patrol the streets and act against homophobia. Sometimes we found people attacked in alleys; we intervened and called the police. It was a dangerous job.
Throughout my life I have learned the difference between the biological family and the family of choice; and now I know that I want to be with people who fully understand me, without judging me. I have worked all my life and I am still working to break barriers, not only with the LGBTI community, but also the barriers imposed by patriarchy. We all benefit when people unite, without hierarchy, without racism, without homophobia or xenophobia. But now I have no more energy to fight.
I need a place where I feel comfortable and safe. Wherever it is. A place, where I have access to medical care and where I am not exposed to possible homophobia. I do not want to be a victim of harassment at this point in my life.
I came to Spain in 2016, because I found out that there is a project here to open a public residence for LGBTI people. I was looking for something like that all over Europe, but those that do exist tend to be private and very expensive and all my savings were exhausted with the last cancer treatment I had. Others, more affordable like the Rainbow House in Stockholm, have waiting lists of more than 4 years!
I just want to shine with my light, that's all I really have left, only my light ... I think that's true for all of us ... we have to keep maintaining the light that we have inside, protecting us until that light goes out.”
