Over 2/3 of Oregonians
believe that same-sex couples
should have their relationships
legally recognized by the state.
Teri & John Whitty Parents, Community Leaders
Coos Bay, Oregon
To Teri and John Whitty, equality is
a simple concept: "Everyone
should have the same right
to happiness and pursuit of
that happiness, and be treated
fairly by others." As a
lawyer, John further clarifies
this by saying that "equality,
in legal terms, means equal
opportunities for all; everyone
should have the same opportunities,
and risks, for work and enjoyment."
Avid members of PFLAG for many years,
Teri and John are veterans
in the fight for LGBTQ equality. They support and donate money
in favor of pro-equality state
measures, as well as working
against anti-equality legislation. Also,
the Whittys say "it's
not uncommon to see us marching
in PRIDE parades with a PFLAG
banner." Their
devotion comes from their large
family of six children, two
of whom are gay. "Having gay
children makes us happily and
proudly speak out for gay rights,"
Teri asserts, and John echoes
that they "make it clear that
2 of our sons are gay and we
love them the same as our other
children."
Besides their familial ties, Teri and
John's dedication to
the pro-equality movement stems
much deeper. They have witnessed
different acts of discrimination
against LGBTQ individuals,
ranging from "problems of a
legal nature, and the way the
state deals with gay couples"
to the issues faced by one
of their good friends' teenage
son. "He was struggling [with
his sexuality], and went to
go see his local pastor," Teri
recalls, "and when he spoke
with the pastor, the pastor
stood up and made him walk
out the back door. That's
simply wrong to do to someone
who is looking for help, support,
and understanding."
Despite the inequalities that exist,
both Teri and John are proud to
be Oregonians, and are very proud
of Oregon for recently passing
Basic Fairness legislation.
They just hope that "those
who are threatening a referendum
can look at everyone with love,
understanding, and respect." Teri
further elucidates: "The idea
that love is only for heterosexual
couples is sad because a loving
relationship is a beautiful
thing and should be valued and respected."
