Acknowledgements:

First and foremost, it is only through the stories of the people willing to share them that this project was even possible. Thank you, Jewel, Karen, Therese, Ryan, Sky, Mary, and Jake for sharing your stories so openly and proudly.

Thank You, Dr. Debian Marty, someone whose Communications classes taught me the skills needed to do a project where I would without a doubt, run into conflicting points of view. Active listening and ethical communication helped everyone I worked with feel comfortable talking honestly with me.

Debra Busman, what an amazing writing coach you were throughout my Bachelor’s program. Edit. Edit. Edit. Just when you think it’s good enough- edit again. I hope this independent writing work makes you proud to be the awesome professor you are.

David Reichard, you taught me so much about the history of the LGBTQ community. You helped to encourage this type of writing with getting me through the last important piece, and you too, I hope to make you proud with what you read.

Thank You to Karen Flittie for providing a great book as means of research.