Taking a Look at One Aspect of LGBT Equality

One of the ways the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of Kendal at Granville seeks to fulfill its mission to promote acceptance and inclusiveness is through holding periodic meetings of the Diversity Book Club.  The book chosen for our most recent session was “My Two Moms” by Zach Walls, the son of two lesbians and an activist on the behalf of LGBT equality. The subtitle,  “Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family” succinctly describes the lessons of life that Zach learned as he grew up.

Zach came to write this book after he addressed the Iowa House Judiciary Committee on 31 January 2011 in a public hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Iowa.  A video of his testimony posted on YouTube went viral. It had more than 1.5 million views within two weeks and exceeded 15 million views by April 2012.

One of the benefits of the Diversity Book Clubs is that it brings together both Kendal residents and staff members in a forum where they can discuss with each other books pertaining to topics on issues related to diversity and inclusion.  In our most recent event the number of staff members and residents was very nearly equal.  The co-leaders were Logan, a kitchen utility aide, and Susan, a retired Denison University professor of English. Logan had previously met the author and was impressed by what he had to say.  Therefore he recommended the book to us for study.

Our discussion ranged from personal reactions to the ideas expressed by Zach to sharing of personal interactions with LGBT persons.  Several comments related to the way in which Zach, an Eagle Scout, had used the Boy Scout Laws as a framework for his book.  Note was taken of the fact that Zach plans to work toward changing the negative views of gays within the Boy Scout organization. It was pointed out that in his book Zach states that one of his moms was regarded as a top Scout leader.  It was the consensus of the group that Zach’s approach was reasonable and well thought out.

Listening to this book and taking part in the discussion has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own personal journey to an understanding of the problems encountered by the LGBT community members in everyday life. I have come from a total unawareness that problems existed to a gradual awareness that there are people with such problems to becoming an advocate for LGBT equality.  Zach’s story has awakened me to an even greater awareness of my need to explore ways I can support LGBT equality.