Here’s to the L in LPAC
What comes around, goes around. I’ve heard that a million times, but I think I really experienced it one day a week ago.
I opened Facebook on my iPhone and saw a friend request from a name I recalled from long, long ago. I didn’t really know this person, but had met her a lifetime ago, as I was peeking out of the closet in, oh my gosh, it must have been 1981.
I remember going to a strange (for me) neighborhood in DC to a place called The Women’s Center. I knew it was a meeting place for lesbians and that scared the heck out of me. But I went, talked to some women, and signed up for an all-lesbian evening cruise out of Annapolis for the following week.
On the night of the cruise, all I wanted to do was be inconspicuous as I parked my car at the City Dock. Omigod, I locked my keys in the car (nervous much?), had a passing policeman call a locksmith and drew the kind of attention (in my mind, anyway) I had hoped to avoid. I remember staring down at the sidewalk wondering if passersby could see the neon sign on my back saying “lesbian.”
Finally, I timidly walked onto the tour boat. All around me were female couples and groups of women friends, animated, laughing, talking to each other, and the discovery of all this rocked my world. And yes, it was a lifetime ago. Would I fit in? Make friends? All I could do was stand against the rail of the boat and watch the evening swirl around me.
I also recall being introduced, in passing, to a woman who intrigued me—for her confidence and comfort with herself and the surroundings. Me, I was timid, frightened, unsure of everything in this new world of gay women.
So, back to the future. Last week I got this Facebook request. I clicked “accept” and sent my new FB friend a message.
HI. Fay Jacobs, here. Weird question: do you recall if you were on a tour boat (the Harbor Queen) out of Annapolis sponsored by the long-gone Women’s Center of DC back in the dark ages 1981ish? If so, it was my first participation in any kind of lesbian event—I was closeted and so very afraid...and I believe I met you that night and thought to myself “I want to be like her—out, and proud.”
I don’t know how we became FB friends, or where you know ME from, but I just wanted to share this memory with you. And I am proud to say that it took a while, but I am out, very proud, and a lesbian writer, and activist. Go figure! Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Fay...you really made my day! Thank you so much for your lovely message. It meant the world to me. I indeed remember the Harbor Queen and the Washington Area Women’s Center...those were the days! How long ago...don’t I feel old! You certainly are a kindred spirit...be proud that you took the risks you took...and thank you for YOUR involvement in our community as well. Perhaps our paths will cross one of these days. My partner and I do make it to Rehoboth once in awhile... Feel free to keep in touch and thank you so much again for your kind words! Maybe I’ll see you on the Supreme Court steps in June. We will definitely be there for the announcement!
I wrote back.
Wow, our memories are pretty good for old lesbians! We’ll try to meet you on the steps of the Supreme Court!
It’s funny the turns life takes and what the recent world of social networking can do. But it’s also true that none of us has gotten where we are (or where we still have to go) without the help of great organizations, activists, and pioneering women (and men!!!) who helped create the progress we enjoy today.
Which brings me to an upcoming event, June 27, 5 p.m., here in Rehoboth by one such organization fueled by several such marvelous activists. It’s an LPAC (teamlpac.com) meet and greet event for the opportunity to have cocktails and conversation with the group’s leaders, and some spectacular Delaware politicians. LPAC is a non-partisan Political Action Committee with the mission to build the political power of lesbians by significantly impacting the election of candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality, and social justice.
LPAC Board Members Hilary Rosen (one of my favorite lobbyists and TV interviewees), Karen Dixson, and Executive Director Beth Shipp will be on hand to meet and greet, as well as to promote LPAC’s mission and key initiatives.
The event will be held in a marvelous location (revealed when you sign up to go) and the event should be a blast!
Delaware political notables joining the engagement include: Claire Snyder-Hall (2014 candidate for DE State Senate), Dr. Roni Posner (Vice President, Board of Education, Cape Henlopen School District), Marie Mayor (2014 candidate for DE State House of Representatives), and Betty Deacon (activist, campaign consultant, entrepreneur).
Check out teamlpac.com for details—and help make history!
As for me, I’m certainly not the terrified, closeted, young woman I once was. But I bet even in 2015, with all the progress made, there are many women like that, still hesitant to come out, still afraid of that neon sign with the L word on their backs. Let’s hope the efforts of CAMP Rehoboth, the Cape Henlopen Gay-Straight Alliance, PFlag, and LPAC can make a difference to them, and ease their way.
As for the neon on me, light it up!
Fay Jacobs is the author of As I Lay Frying—a Rehoboth Beach Memoir; Fried & True—Tales from Rehoboth Beach, For Frying Out Loud—Rehoboth Beach Diaries, and her newest book Time Fries—Aging Gracelessly in Rehoboth Beach.