This issue, Lambda Legal had a chance to sit down with donor, architecture enthusiast and friend Dan Guio as a part of our Member Spotlight series. In addition to being members of our Liberty Circle, Dan and his partner Wayne Reeves have taken the initiative to include Lambda Legal in their estate plans and are local supporters in Indianapolis, which they call home.
How did you and Wayne become involved with Lambda Legal? A long time ago, Wayne and I realized that if we were to see positive change for the LGBT community in our lifetime, it would be in part through the courts. That’s what initially brought us to Lambda Legal’s door.
You and Wayne have been long-time friends to Lambda Legal (since 1994). A lot has changed since then. We talk about this a lot—the progress toward full equal rights that’s been made over the years, but also the battles we may have lost. You know, I think most of us understand that even with the advent of marriage equality, we have a lot of incredible work ahead. It’s clear more than ever that there are forces at work to roll back the achievements we’ve made.
Speaking of work ahead, many were shocked to hear about our case representing Marsha Wetzel, a senior who is facing harassment at her living facility, simply because she was open about being a lesbian who raised a family with another woman. Yes—and like everyone else, we were stunned to read about Marsha’s case. It’s heartbreaking to see the discrimination she faced. You want to believe that a place like a retirement community can be a safe space for everyone. I just think, “Would Wayne and I be welcome someday? Will we be safe?” That’s not only a concern for us here in Indiana, but for our whole community across the country.
This year, we’ve unfortunately witnessed a lot of localized backlash against LGBT people and everybody living with HIV. What is your hope for the Midwest and beyond? I worked in the human resources field for 30 years. When I served as president of the local and statewide HR associations, I was taken aback by how many companies didn’t have strong protections for their LGBT employees. Just recently, the Indianapolis Star’s front page was bolded with Lambda Legal’s case representing Kim Hively. We need cohesive and strong protections for workers, our families, seniors, youth…the list goes on and on. Thank you for everything Lambda Legal has done and continues to do for us. Right now, we’re looking to the future. Wayne and I feel it’s our mission to make sure Lambda Legal will always be there to defend, protect and fight for our community, no matter when, where or what may happen. We look forward to the victories ahead, and are so happy to be a part of it.