As we travel around the South, we meet some amazing people taking action in their daily lives and in their hometowns in order to call for full LGBT equality.
Cameron, a 6th grader in North Carolina, is one of those courageous individuals. She recently decided to write a letter to each Supreme Court Justice about why equality matters to her and her family. As you may know, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the “Prop 8” and “DOMA” cases on March 26th and 27th. These two landmark cases ask the court to recognize the full equality of LGBT people and families in all 50 states and to strike down discriminatory laws.
Here’s the letter Cameron sent to each Justice.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Supreme Court of the United States
One First Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20543
Hello,
My name is Cameron. I am eleven years old and I am currently in the 6th grade [in North Carolina]. I am the daughter of Susan and Sheila. I watched President Obama’s inauguration speech today and my parents pointed you out to me. They informed me that although President Obama is leading the fight for my parents to be treated equally, you and the other justices will be making very important decisions in the next few months. I know you are busy, but I hope you have time to read this letter.
My parents have been together for 26 years. They took me to New York on their 25th anniversary so that they could be legally married. I was so happy for them. They are the best parents a kid could ask for and I love them so much. I would like to see their marriage recognized here in our home state. Please look at our photos and think of us when you make decisions based on gay rights. We are a family. I am very proud of my parents and I hope you understand how your decision will affect my family.
If you have any concerns about the welfare of kids of gay parents, I can tell you that I am doing great. I am so loved. Everyone I know tells me I am such a lucky kid. My parents are my life. They quiz me before tests and make sure that I am doing well in school. I was the top student in my class last year and have made Headmaster’s List every 6 weeks. I play travel soccer and I am currently trying out for the Olympic Development Program which means they dedicate most of their weekends to traveling all over the state so that I can compete against other teams. I also play tennis. A couple of years ago I collected 200 soccer balls and sent them to Liberia for kids who do not have soccer balls. I have many good friends who love my parents. I have never been teased. I think things are going very well. Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Cameron
A few weeks later, Cameron checked her mail. Guess who had written her back? (Click on the letter to read it.)
If you’re as inspired by Cameron as we are, we hope you’ll check out our new Hometown Organizing project – which is all about taking action in our hometowns across the South to call for full equality, to increase visibility, and to inspire conversations about LGBT life in the public square and around the kitchen table.
UPDATE: Cameron and her moms have been invited to the White House!
