Gay Life Volume 33, Number 24

About a year ago I let a stranger stay in my home. At first it seemed like a step too far. (I’m generous, but a stranger? In my home? Nah…) But when I volunteered for Equality Maryland, I filled out a form that asked if I’d house an out-of-town activist. I marked “maybe” (though I thought “probably not”). I soon learned that some guy from Ohio was coming to work for equality in my state, and he needed a place to stay while he searched for more permanent housing. So (after Googling the heck out him) I said yes.

As you can guess, it turned out fine. I was neither murdered nor robbed. In fact, he worked such long hours I barely knew he was there. I think it was a good choice, not only because it helped him, but also because it was during his short stay that I was offered this position working for Gay Life.

I’m not suggesting that kindness is always rewarded, or that opening your home will get you a new job. But what seemed at first like a step too far, turned out to be a rather simple act of hospitality.

As the 24th annual Creating Change conference draws near (see story opposite page) consider what small steps you can take to help out. Learn more by visiting CreatingChange.org/volunteer.php.

Maggie Beetz
Editor