Heather Purser

Heather Purser is an LGBT advocate, diver, and member of the Suquamish tribe in Seattle, Washington.^[1][2] She is known for pioneering same-sex marriage rights for her tribe, making the Suquamish tribe the second Native American tribe to amend their laws to recognize same-sex marriage, the first being the Oregon Coquille tribe.^[3][4] Purser is openly lesbian and came out during her teens.^[3]

Same-sex marriage

Around 2009, Purser began approaching her tribal leaders to ask them about recognizing same-sex marriage, making her the first to do so within her tribe.^[5] She did not seek assistance for her efforts, as she worried that others were unconcerned with same-sex marriage rights and would not be interested in helping her.^[5] In March 2011, Purser attended a tribal meeting where approximately 300 of her fellow tribes people were in attendance to again ask for recognition of same-sex marriage.^[1] Her request was met with an "enthusiastic yes", which led to tribe officials unanimously voting to legally recognize same-sex marriage in August 2011.^[1]

For her efforts, Purser was recognized by Seattle mayor Michael McGinn during the city's annual Human Rights day celebration on February 16, 2012. A month prior, Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire heralded Purser as a role model and inspiration.^[6][7] Gregoire would later use Purser's story during a 2012 news conference to introduce similar legislation for the state of Washington.^[6] Purser was invited to the conference and was able to speak with the governor.^[6] Later that year, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GBSA) granted Purser the Business and Humanitarian award for "voice of social justice."^[8]

References

1. Yardley, William (2011-08-11). "Suquamish Tribe Approves Same-Sex Marriage". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
2. "Washington indian tribe allows gay marriage". Retrieved 2017-10-04.
3. Bilger, Audrey; Kort, Michele (2012-03-06). Here Come the Brides!: Reflections on Lesbian Love and Marriage. Da Capo Press. ISBN 9781580054508.
4. "Kitsap County's Suquamish Tribe makes same-sex marriage legal". The Seattle Times. 2011-08-02. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
5. "Diver Heather Purser Pioneers Same-Sex Marriage for Suquamish - Indian Country Media Network". indiancountrymedianetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2017-09-12. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
6. Duff, Deanna (2012-02-06). "SUQUAMISH TRIBAL MEMBER A LEADER IN WASHINGTON STATE'S MARRIAGE EQUALITY MOVEMENT". Equally Wed. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
7. "Human rights award for Suquamish tribal member". The Seattle Times. 2011-12-09. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
8. "SGN - Seattle Gay News - Page 5 - GSBA Business and Humanitarian Awards honor leadership, philanthropy - Friday, February 24, 2012 - Volume 40 Issue 08". www.sgn.org. Archived from the original on 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2017-10-04.