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Heather Purser

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Heather.Purser (talk | contribs) at 06:13, 8 November 2019 (→Early life: I deleted a huge chunk of this because not all of it is factual. I am Heather Purser and much of what is written in this wikipedia page is uninformed, incorrect and embarassing.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Heather Purser is an LGBT advocate, diver, and member of the Suquamish tribe in Seattle, Washington.[1][2] She is known for pioneering same-sex marriage rights for her tribe, making the Squamish tribe the second Native American tribe to amend their laws to recognize same-sex marriage, the first being the Oregon Coquille tribe.[3][4] Purser is openly lesbian and came out during her teens.[3]

Heather Purser does not want pieces of her life story on wikipedia. Had she been older and far less angry when all this went down she would have not shared pieces of her life story. Her early life was good and it was difficult. She could not see the balance until she realized many of her own mistakes. Knowing her shame came from inside her and the choices she'd made in life-- she forgave her parents and in turn was truly able to forgive herself.

Same-sex marriage

Around 2009 Purser began approaching her tribal leaders to ask them about recognizing same-sex marriage, making her the first to do so within her tribe.[5] She did not seek assistance for her efforts, as she worried that others were unconcerned with same-sex marriage rights and would not be interested in helping her.[5] In March 2011 Purser attended a tribal meeting where approximately 300 of her fellow tribes people were in attendance to again ask for recognition of same-sex marriage.[1] Her request was met with an "enthusiastic yes", which led to tribe officials unanimously voting to legally recognize same-sex marriage in August 2011.[1]

For her efforts Purser was recognized by Seattle mayor Michael McGinn during the city's annual Human Rights day celebration on February 16, 2012. A month prior, Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire heralded Purser as a role model and inspiration.[6][7] Gregoire would later use Purser's story during a 2012 news conference to introduce similar legislation for the state of Washington.[6] Purser was invited to the conference and was able to speak with the governor.[6] Later that year the Greater Seattle Business Association (GBSA) granted Purser the Business and Humanitarian award for "voice of social justice."[8]

Advocacy

Along with advocating for LGBT rights within her tribe, Purser also works to raise domestic violence within Native American households.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c Yardley, William (2011-08-11). "Suquamish Tribe Approves Same-Sex Marriage". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  2. ^ "Washington indian tribe allows gay marriage". Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  3. ^ a b Bilger, Audrey; Kort, Michele (2012-03-06). Here Come the Brides!: Reflections on Lesbian Love and Marriage. Da Capo Press. ISBN 9781580054508.
  4. ^ "Kitsap County's Suquamish Tribe makes same-sex marriage legal". The Seattle Times. 2011-08-02. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  5. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b c Duff, Deanna (2012-02-06). "SUQUAMISH TRIBAL MEMBER A LEADER IN WASHINGTON STATE'S MARRIAGE EQUALITY MOVEMENT". Equally Wed. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  7. ^ "Human rights award for Suquamish tribal member". The Seattle Times. 2011-12-09. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  8. ^ "SGN - Seattle Gay News - Page 5 - GSBA Business and Humanitarian Awards honor leadership, philanthropy - Friday, February 24, 2012 - Volume 40 Issue 08". www.sgn.org. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
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