<p>By Marcia Garber Dignity/Boston member Trans Caucus member<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>Howdy from a Listening Parent at Fortunate Families! My name is Marcia Garber and I am a proud parent of two beautiful souls one who lives and one who lives in spirit.</p> <p>Who would have thought since my husband Ken and I had the honor and privilege to meet Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata founders of Fortunate Families at the Dignity USA Convention celebrating 40 years in 2009 that together we all would have come so far??!!</p> <p>As is often said One step forward; two steps back. These days great progress has been made and unfortunately for some much still needs to be accomplished. The work is challenging made light only by the love and support of so many who understand the imperative need of EQUALITY FOR ALL.</p> <p>If only our human family with our collective gift of grace could embrace all. What a world it would be for each human filled with diversity shining in creation. Each person has the power and responsibility to work toward this common goal. In our local communities and on the state and federal levels. We have witnessed the Supreme Court of the United States rule that marriage is for ALL. Without the hard work of so many we never would have seen this done.</p> <p>We must continue until all have what is needed to live full lives. A culture shift inclusive of all our diversity is required to end stigma; homelessness; substance use; internal and external physical psychological and social oppressions; suicide; isolation; unemployment; underemployment; lack of educational opportunity etcetera; all stressors that need to stop.</p> <p>I am eternally grateful to my child gifted to me and this world for opening eyes ears hearts and minds to the notion that gender identity and expression is not limited but limitless!</p> <p>In 2012 Massachusetts enacted non-discrimination legislation for transgender folks in housing education credit and employment. Further legislation is pending for non-discrimination in public spaces. Major changes in health care practices have occurred.</p> <p>I never imagined I would have attended the World Meeting of Families last September in Philadelphia to represent my child in this very Catholic space in which members continue to denounce and reject the reality of my child. I was proud and privileged to participate as Equally Blessed and to stand for my child in the presence of this Pope. Perhaps with the grace of God his heart will be changed. Perhaps as voices speak ears will open. Perhaps as stories are shared eyes and minds will too. It is incumbent upon all of us to do all we can.</p> <p><em>Marcia is a Listening Parent in support of Fortunate Families (http://fortunatefamilies.com/) as was her late husband Ken. They worked tirelessly for issues of transgender (and LGBTQ) equality. They have been recognized frequently for their work including a 2011 Interfaith Pride Award and the creation of the Ken Garber Ally Advocacy Award. &nbsp;To read more about their family story click <a href=http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/10/06/quincy-couple-talk-about-transgender-son-sad-journey/8sfPKwLKQXSbXpm1tam13O/story.html target=_blank>here</a>.</em></p>