2005
Honorees:
Silas Paul Archambault
"Children in families headed by same-sex couples are
denied health insurance, tax credits, and the ability to be picked up
from day care by either parent. ... Without same-sex marriage, children
are, and will continue to be, denied these securities."
April 12, 2005
I would like to thank both of my parents, John Archambault and Michele
Archambault, as well as my extended family for being interested and
supportive in everything I do. Also, I would like to thank everyone
at Seacoast Outright, but especially Tawnee Walling, the Executive Director;
Carina Self, the former Outreach Coordinator; Steve Small, the Chair
of the board; and Mim Easton, the former Executive Director. You and
the other volunteers have all enabled me. Everything I do, I can do
because I know you are behind me. Seacoast Outright is my home base.
Since 2001, I have been involved with Seacoast Outright. At first, I
needed support and guidance in my life. I knew I was gay, but I didn't
want that to change my life. Seacoast Outright provided me a safe, supportive,
and often fun atmosphere. Luckily, as anyone will tell you, nothing
except my personal integrity has changed. Seacoast Outright returned
my
feeling of normalcy. Since then, I have been working hard to give back
to all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people their sense of
normalcy.
I am proud to represent Seacoast Outright, as a speaker, youth facilitator,
and a member of the board of directors. You will find no one who appreciates
the work of Seacoast Outright more.
As my life moves forward, I hope to someday marry and raise a family.
There are many wonderful families headed by same-sex couples living
in the state of New Hampshire. However, without legal recognition of
marriage, these families are not given the same rights as families headed
by a married couple. Only one parent is the legal caregiver to each
child.
Therefore, children in families headed by same-sex couples are denied
health insurance, tax credits, and the ability to be picked up from
day care by either parent. You are all here because you believe in the
health and well-being of all children. Without same-sex marriage, children
are, and will continue to be, denied these securities. Please, continue
to make the state of New Hampshire a good place for children. Please
help to make same-sex marriage legal in New Hampshire.
Thank you.
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