Feedback from Fans

“I’m 26 years old and a former resident of Racine,” writes Antonio from Phoenix.   “I grew up there and still call Racine home.”  Antonio found out what we’re doing with the LGBT Center and believes it’s long overdue.    “I could only have wished for something like this when I was growing up.  My transition from being in the closet to coming out was the most difficult process I have ever gone through.”


From San Diego, California, Seth sent in a contribution and membership application as a gift to his aunt who resides in Racine.  She doesn’t know any people like her and has been terrified to venture “out.” 

“Good luck in this tough road ahead towards community awareness and equal rights,” offers Seth in his letter accompanying the application.

Shaun, a Racine college student living in Madison, will be studying in South Africa when the LGBT Center opens in April.  “Sorry I’ll miss it, but I do look forward to participating in your events and activities when I return,” he says.

Cub, a 50-year-old man living on disability close to the Center, has AIDS; but he’s eager to volunteer, calling or visiting the elderly to let them know someone cares.

“I’m really glad I got out of my parents’ house,” insists Chris, “even for all the things I have had to go through: living in the ghetto, sharing a car, going on Food Share, and losing all of the things I used to have when money wasn’t my own.”  He continues: “Many queer people are here in Racine and Kenosha, including the closeted, who are afraid to come to terms with their true sexuality.  The Center will be a great resource for them—as well as for the entire community … including opponents who might benefit from some of the information and services the Center can provide.”

Savanna is 17-years-old, in the Girl Scouts, and working on her Gold Award.  She’s also bisexual.  “There are no places for teens like me and some of my friends,” says Savanna.  “I was hoping (to find) a place where teenage gays could come, hang out and feel a part of something … not discriminated against for who and what we are.”

“I’ve lived in Boston, San Francisco, San Diego and Honolulu.  Since I now reside in Kenosha, of course I want to support the Center,” Franco, an art gallery owner in Kenosha, tells us. Taking the initiative to create an Art District in Kenosha, Franco’s gallery will be displaying art for public consumption in the LGBT Center.

“My girl friend and I are interested in volunteering,” e-mails Alicia.  “Just let us know when you need help.”  Also interested in volunteering through the Center are Julio, Gari (a transwoman living in Kenosha), Cheri (a worker bee “very handy with tools and clean up”), and Margaret, a nurse who’s prepared to give talks, classes, and help.

Jeremy and his partner also want to be of assistance.  “We’re expecting the LGBT Center to be the center of attention and in correspondence with local churches.  Perhaps we can bridge a relationship to help people realize how prejudice and discrimination towards LGBT (people) are hurting their own, personal lives.”

While Paulina doesn’t live in this area, she read about the opposition to our Center.  “There will be people who will fight this move into the 21st century, but you are doing the right thing, something that will give people a safe place to come together, to access information, to know that they are part of a community.”

Sister Clarice is a Racine Dominican, whose order opened the HOPES Center on Racine’s Sixth Street.  Though she’s now working at one of the oldest U.S. LGBT Centers (in Berkeley, California), Sister Clarice will be returning to Racine.  “I spent time getting in touch with an inner call to be of service in the LGBT community.  Because I am a vowed religious woman of 48 years, I needed to get permission to volunteer in the gay community.”  She got the support of her leadership team.  “My interest led me to study and enter into relationship with transgender persons,” Sister Clarice shares, and is grateful we’re “taking the initiative to open an LGBT Center in Racine,” where she plans to get involved.

Ryan describes himself as a gay youth living in the area, although his e-mail address indicates he’s part of UW-Milwaukee.  “I’m very excited about the opening of the LGBT Community Center and believe it will be a great addition to our city,” he says.  Like so many others, Ryan would like to help out as much as he can and in any way that he can.  “Just let me know of anything – anything! – I can do to help and be an active part in this great community.”

"I am so glad to hear that a center is opening in Racine," writes Angie.  "It is desperately needed.  I work for both Racine County in Child Protective Services and as a therapist at Aalto Enhancement Center in Kenosha." 

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