Crooked Letter I LGBT Essayists Respond to Human Rights Campaign Alabama Survey, Part 1: Susan Benton
In 2015, NewSouth plans to release a book of Southern-themed LGBT coming-out stories, titled Crooked Letter I. Contributors to the anthology have sent their thoughts on a recent Human Rights Campaign in Alabama survey of LGBT Alabamians. Today’s thoughts are from Susan Benton: “We have made great progress, but in Alabama, I still have reason to be afraid. I am married to an Australian. When we visit my parents in Alabama, my spouse must always carry her documentation showing she has a right to be in the country. We must have copies of our marriage certificate, and our Medical Power of Attorney in case she must be admitted to a hospital, so that I am considered next-of-kin. Since Alabama does not recognize our marriage, we cannot and will not consider moving to Alabama …”