- Charlene Strong
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Charlene D. Strong (6 May 1963 - ) is an American gay rights activist.
Charlene Strong
American gay rights activistSince the death of her partner, Kate Fleming, Strong has become an advocate for marriage equality and legal protections for LGBT families.
In January 2007, she testified before the Washington State Senate in support of a bill creating a statewide Domestic Partnership Registry. In April 2007, she stood beside Governor Christine Gregoire as that domestic partnership bill was signed into law.[1] The Governor opened her remarks by retelling Strong's story.[2] In February 2009, Governor Gregoire appointed Strong to the Washington State Human Rights Commission.[3] Strong's term expires in 2012.[4]
Strong is also a co-producer of the film For My Wife, which tells the story of Kate Fleming's death. The film won the Best Documentary prize at the 2008 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.[5] She works closely with Equal Rights Washington, and has established an internship at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in Washington, DC.
Kate Fleming
Strong's partner of nine years, Kate Fleming, died in 2006 when a flash flood trapped her inside her Madison Valley, Seattle, basement recording studio during the Hanukkah Eve Wind Storm. Arriving at the hospital, Strong was initially prevented from joining Fleming, despite their long partnership, because Washington State did not recognize domestic partners.[6]
References
- ^ Seattle Times, "Gregoire signs domestic partnership measure into law." http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2003675942_webdomestic21.html
- ^ Governor Chris Gregoire, "Governor Gregoire Signs Domestic Partnership Bill Into Law (As Written)." http://www.governor.wa.gov/speeches/speech-view.asp?SpeechSeq=79
- ^ Governor Chris Gregoire, "Gov. Gregoire announces boards and commissions appointments." http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1206&newsType=1
- ^ Washington State Human Rights Commission, "The Commissioners." http://www.hum.wa.gov/Commission/Commissioners.html
- ^ Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, "Awards." http://threedollarbillcinema.org/08/festival/awards
- ^ Charlene Strong, "Charlene Strong Calls for Equality and Dignity," Seattle Gay News. http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews37_43/page3.cfm
External links
- Add your voice to the chorus calling for equality and dignity, op-ed by Charlene Strong, Seattle Times, August 9, 2007
- In tragedy's wake, an unlikely activist is born, Seattle Gay News, November 16, 2007
- "For My Wife" movie trailer
Categories: Living people | 1963 births
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