Nikki Araguz

Nikki Araguz
Born	Justin Graham Purdue June 4, 1975 (1975-06-04) (age 36) Carmel, California, United States
Website
NikkiAraguz.com

Nikki Araguz (born Justin Graham Purdue, June 4, 1975 in Carmel, California) is an American marriage equality activist, author, and public speaker.

As an advocate for marriage equality, she met with Legislators in Austin, TX, and spoke in front of the Capitol Building to express opposition of Texas Senate Bill 723. In May 2011, Nikki was honored at the Harvey Bernard Milk Rally in Austin, with a poster signed by countless supporters. On June 4, 2011, Nikki Araguz joined local and national LGBT community members and supporters attending the Human Rights Campaign Gala celebrating "The Heartbeat of Equality."

In Dallas, Nikki was a guest host on Reckless After Dark, the popular LGBT radio show hosted by Chase Brooks. June 25, 2011, she rode in the Houston Gay Pride Parade, on the float sponsored by her legal team, Katine & Nechman, L.L.P.

Marriage to Thomas Araguz

Married on August 23, 2008, Nikki and Thomas Araguz lived in Wharton, TX, with Thomas' two sons from a prior marriage. Nikki's media background and several years in advertising led to publishing Wharton County Living Magazine.

Thomas attended classes at Wharton County College and earned certifications in the Police Academy, Fire Academy and was an EMT. Nikki worked as a Sales Executive and Sales Manager for a Houston GLBT magazine. Thomas served Wharton as a volunteer firefighter, and after marrying Nikki, became a Sheriff's Deputy and completed courses required for paid firefighters.

Death of Thomas

On July 3, 2010, Captain Araguz answered the call to fight a fire at an egg plant in Boling, Texas and went missing for several hours.^[1] At the time of the fire Nikki was on a business trip and was not made aware he was missing. Nikki learned of Thomas' death from a posting on a social networking site by another fireman's wife. Upon her return to Wharton, Nikki's in-laws prevented her from seeing her stepchildren.

Legal Battle

The morning after Thomas' burial, Nikki learned that two separate lawsuits had been filed by his family in an attempt to take away her benefits as a firefighter's spouse, though Thomas had specifically named her as beneficiary in one instance.^[2]

As a result of the lawsuits, Nikki was left without resources; her widow's benefits are withheld during litigation until a final outcome, which could be lengthy. As of October, 2011, her legal team filed an appeal with the 13th Court of Appeals in Corpus Christi, TX.

References

1. ^ Delony, Doug (04 July 2010). "Firefighter Dies in Massive Egg Farm Fire". KRIV-TV. http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/100704-massive-egg-farm-fire-in-wharton. Retrieved 13 October 2011. 
2. ^ Van Meter, William (17 August 2011). "Nikki Araguz vs. The State". OUT Magazine. http://www.out.com/detail.asp?id=31581. Retrieved 13 October 2011.