07 2021 | NEAT

Spotlight of the Month: Irwin Krieger (CT)

Published 7/20/2021 · 0 Comments

Our Spotlight series highlights NEAT supporters whose dedication powers our everyday work for LGBTQ+ justice.

Portrait of Irwin Krieger, NEAT volunteer spotlight honoree — Irwin Krieger, Ashford, CT

Name: Irwin Krieger
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Age: 66
Location: Ashford, CT

Life Beyond NEAT Volunteering

Irwin is a retired clinical social worker and the author of two books: Helping Your Transgender Teen: A Guide for Parents and Counseling Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: The Essential Guide. He and his partner, John, co-parented two children alongside a lesbian couple; those children are now in their twenties, living independently and doing well. Irwin and John treasure a peaceful life in rural northeastern Connecticut.

His Connection to LGBTQ+ Justice Work

When Irwin came out in the 1970s, no LGBTQ civil rights laws existed. For years he lobbied at the Connecticut State Capitol for legislation barring discrimination based on sexual orientation. At the time, the movement was unfortunately not centered on transgender rights, so Connecticut's protections against discrimination based on gender identity and expression arrived much later.

His Volunteer Role and What Drew Him In

Living in a reliably Democratic state, Irwin has long viewed phone canvassing as a way to shape outcomes elsewhere in the country. He believes the movement's secret weapon has always been that "We are Everywhere!" He first volunteered with NEAT calling LGBTQ people to encourage participation in the 2020 census. In the months leading up to the 2020 elections, he canvassed with other groups to boost voter turnout across several swing states. Today he volunteers weekly with NEAT, calling supportive individuals in other states and urging them to contact their senators in support of the Equality Act.

A Memorable Moment from Volunteering

Because Irwin calls in the evening, he sometimes reaches someone mid-dinner-prep. In one instance a young teenager picked up, asked what the call was about, and then encouraged her mother—who was cooking dinner—to make the call. Hearing how firmly this young person believed in LGBTQ civil rights was touching. Irwin remains inspired by how widely young people embrace the cause.

Advice for Anyone Considering Volunteering with NEAT

Irwin says volunteering is a great way to extend your impact beyond your own state's borders. It's simpler than other forms of canvassing because NEAT calls an already supportive list. You'd be surprised how many people thank him for calling and for making it easy to voice their support by transferring them straight to their senator's office. Being part of a collective effort by LGBTQ people and allies nationwide feels good, too.