Thank You

I grew up in a very homophobic household. I was a major homophobe myself. I think that was homophobic because I was afraid of what I did not understand. I knew I was different at a very early age, but had the “revelation” in my early twenties when I met Deb, my first girlfriend. It took me a VERY long time for me to accept me! It took nearly twenty years for me to embrace myself as a lesbian. I met the love of my life, Paula, in 1979, but we didn’t start dating until 1999. We have been together since we re-kindled our relationship in 1999 and were lucky enough to me married in Malibu prior to Prop 8, September 5, 2008. We loved Stamie and Tracy especially because we can relate to them. They are successful, feminine women in love with each other. They send a great message to the rest of our society that we are no different than anyone else. All we want in life are the same rights as everyone else and we deserve them. We have been though many health issues together, Cancer and a heart attack to mention a few… and we are stronger because of that. Texas, where we live, will secede from the union before they ever recognize gay marriage, but we hope that couples like Stamie and Tracy open people’s hearts and eyes. It always helps me to remember that at one time not so long ago, blacks were treated inhumanely, and women didn’t have the right to vote. We have come a long way, but we have a lot further to go. The one constant in life is “change” and I hope we get there on “Gay Rights” in our life time! Thanks to Stamie and Tracy for representing us as “normal” families- like everyone else! May life bring them all of the happiness, success and joy they deserve! xoxo Ellen and Paula

Ellen Krantz and Paula Parker
Houston, Texas