November 4, 2010
By: Tynan Power/TRT Reporter
Glenn Koetzner doesn’t consider himself a hero-but to the LGBTQ community whose struggle for rights he has documented for years, he certainly is one.
“I am an ally by definition, but most often I feel like I’m part of some wondrous family,” Koetzner says, “one large, loving, dysfunctional and diverse family.”
A freelance photographer based in Sharon, Connecticut, Koetzner’s lens captures the struggles and celebrations of the LGBT community.
“For years I have been dedicated to documenting the march to equality in the LGBT community,” Koetzner says, “I have always believed that positive exposure, as often as possible, is one key to acceptance. I feel that, whenever I cover an event and my photos are shown in some public forum, I’m saying to everybody ‘these are my friends, your neighbors, your equals. We all belong here.’”
Koetzner moves among his subjects with ease, his camera always at hand. His work, though, goes far behind his amazing photography.
“I am proud to be on the CT Transadvocacy Board of Directors, and the Love Makes a Family PAC Board. It was an incredible experience to be involved with LMF when marriage equality passed in CT,” Koetzner says. “And I am proud to volunteer every year for the Transgender Lives Conference.”
What motivates Koetzner’s seemingly boundless energy for activism and documentation? A desire, he says, for “pure and unadulterated equality.”
“It’s something that everybody is owed and due. I cannot accept a society where my friends don’t have the same rights I do. It is sad that we have to fight for it, but I’m here to add my voice to the fight.”
Koetzner has his own heroes in that fight.
“Anne Stanback and Carol Buckheit from Love Makes a Family fought every day for same-sex marriage rights and won. Matt Blinstrubas and Gannon Long were community organizers on steroids-I loved them for their energy, commitment and successes! Jerimarie Liesegang and Diana Lombardi from CTAC have been working every day since I met them on transgender rights and education. Robin McHaelan started and runs True Colors. Kamora Herrington and Hillary Weiss are just amazing with the kids there,” Koetzner says. “All the people at HGLHC from Linda Esterbrook to Jamie Bassell and her ever-present bag of condoms; Tony Ferraiolo and Dru Levasseur who started The Jim Collins Foundation; Graysen Ocasio and Nicole Lashomb who started and run The Rainbow Times, an LGBT newspaper; Cid and Bear White who put on the best celebration ever with NoHo Pride; Sally Tamarkin whose seemingly boundless energy pulls together the coalition that is ctEquality; the people at CWEALF and Planned Parenthood … All these people, in one way or another, make it their job to fight for equality.”
“Most importantly,” Koetzner says, “I have to mention my wife. For all she does for me and for our family, and for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the fight for equality, she is my hero.”
Along his journey as an ally, Koetzner has clearly crossed paths with many of the dedicated change-makers in the LGBT community. While many have left a lasting impression, a couple stand out.
“I’ve met both Kate Bornstein and Donna Rose and thought they were the most amazingly inspirational people,” Koetzner says. “Kate’s book Hello Cruel World should be required high school reading.”
“Everybody I meet who has had the courage to come out or transition and live their life the way they were meant to live influences me and makes me want to stand up and be counted with them in the march to equality.”
Right now, much of Koetzner attention is on passing anti-discrimination legislation based on gender identity and expression in Connecticut. Beyond that, he says, there are many issues that still need time and attention.
“HIV/AIDS awareness, research, and education; passing an inclusive ENDA; repeal of DADT; repealing DOMA; violence against gay, lesbian and transgender people; LGBT suicide,” he says, listing areas of concern. “I know we need to create an atmosphere where it is easier for kids to come out. We need to train educators to recognize and deal with bullying in the schools. We need to stand up to bullying and hate-speech with every opportunity-not just [LGBTQ] community members, but allies too. Maybe even more importantly allies.”
Koetzner believes consistent and persistent efforts will make a difference. “I think we just have to keep being there,” Koetzner says, “taking a seat at the table. Legislate equality whenever we can. Teach diversity in schools and not give an inch to bullying in any form, anywhere. Twenty years from now it will be a different society altogether, I’m sure.”
Koetzner has some final advice for anyone who cares about LGBT issues.
“First, revel in the diversity and don’t buy the binary. Then volunteer. There are so many great LGBT organizations working to fill so many different needs that if you can’t find something to give your time and energy to then you’re just not looking hard enough.”
Glenn Koetzner’s photos can often be found on the pages of The Rainbow Times.
