Spotlight showcases the work of NEAT supporters who are the backbone of what we do every day for LGBTQ+ Justice.
 | Name: SARA Pronouns: SHE / HER Age: 38 State: MASSACHUSETTS |
Tell us about yourself outside of NEAT volunteering! (e.g. work, family, hobbies)
I live with my 3 human roommates and one cat-mate in an apartment we have affectionately named the Eastern Avenue Space Academy. I currently work full time and attend seminary part time studying to become a pediatric chaplain. Starting in October I'll be leaving my current job to fulfill my field education requirements. I will be interning locally 15-20 hours a week at a hospital and virtually 10-15 hours per week with a UCC church in Birmingham pastored by a lesbian. In my copious free time, I enjoy reading widely, watching Netflix, and trying new beers.
What's your connection to LGBTQ+ justice work?
As a cisgender bisexual woman, a connection to LGBTQ+ justice work has been part of ensuring my own survival and those of my chosen family and friends. I was involved for a number of years with a now defunct conference for GSRM (gender sexuality and relationship minorities) called the Transcending Boundaries Conference. I also am involved with Dignity USA (a national organization for LGBTQIA+ Catholics and their allies). One of my major goals in becoming a hospital chaplain is to provide a supportive presence for LGBTQ+ families and people, particularly young people and the elderly, at a vulnerable time in their lives. I also hope to serve as an educational resource for my fellow chaplains who may not be part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What is your volunteer role(s) at NEAT? What inspired you to get involved?
I became connected to NEAT during the 2018 campaign to keep a law that guaranteed protection for trans people in public accommodations in the state of MA. I try to phone bank 1-2 times per month.
Share a memory from volunteering that sticks out in your mind.
There were a couple of times I got my Dad to phone bank with NEAT as well.
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering with NEAT?
You can do it! It's definitely hard particularly if you're shy like me, but the NEAT team (particularly Brian) provides great training and support, and the work is so important.
I live with my 3 human roommates and one cat-mate in an apartment we have affectionately named the Eastern Avenue Space Academy. I currently work full time and attend seminary part time studying to become a pediatric chaplain. Starting in October I'll be leaving my current job to fulfill my field education requirements. I will be interning locally 15-20 hours a week at a hospital and virtually 10-15 hours per week with a UCC church in Birmingham pastored by a lesbian. In my copious free time, I enjoy reading widely, watching Netflix, and trying new beers.
What's your connection to LGBTQ+ justice work?
As a cisgender bisexual woman, a connection to LGBTQ+ justice work has been part of ensuring my own survival and those of my chosen family and friends. I was involved for a number of years with a now defunct conference for GSRM (gender sexuality and relationship minorities) called the Transcending Boundaries Conference. I also am involved with Dignity USA (a national organization for LGBTQIA+ Catholics and their allies). One of my major goals in becoming a hospital chaplain is to provide a supportive presence for LGBTQ+ families and people, particularly young people and the elderly, at a vulnerable time in their lives. I also hope to serve as an educational resource for my fellow chaplains who may not be part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What is your volunteer role(s) at NEAT? What inspired you to get involved?
I became connected to NEAT during the 2018 campaign to keep a law that guaranteed protection for trans people in public accommodations in the state of MA. I try to phone bank 1-2 times per month.
Share a memory from volunteering that sticks out in your mind.
There were a couple of times I got my Dad to phone bank with NEAT as well.
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering with NEAT?
You can do it! It's definitely hard particularly if you're shy like me, but the NEAT team (particularly Brian) provides great training and support, and the work is so important.
RSS Feed
