RACINE, Wisc., (SPECTRUM NEWS 1) -- State Representative Greta Neubauer comes out in a commentary article in the Journal Times titled, ‘I’m Queer and I’m talking about it.”
In talking about her article and why she felt compelled to write it, Neubauer says it’s something she’s been wanting to do for quite some time now.
”The main reason that I really wanted to talk about it is because I don’t want other people to feel like they can’t share their stories, and by keeping it to myself, even though it is personal, and in many ways, I feel that I shouldn’t have to share every piece of my personal life, but I know by not sharing that implicitly, it says to other folks, 'Maybe you shouldn’t share either,"' or, 'This isn’t a safe community to share that kind of thing.' It felt really important for me to say that this is not something I’m ashamed of,” she says.
As part of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Neubauer represents the 66th Assembly District of Racine. It's her hometown and the place that inspired her to come out in the first place.
“Last year I went to pride in Racine and really just did not anticipate there being pushback from members in the community. I grew up around here knowing a few openly gay and lesbian people. I was out of Wisconsin for a while in college in some big cities and I just thought we were past people showing up with huge signs saying LGBTQ+ people were going to hell. I realized in that moment, and in talking to folks and learning more about what was going on in Racine that people were still facing violence because of their identity, that people were still more likely to be homeless or face other significant struggles because of their identity, so I hope that in sharing my story I open up a little more space for people to feel comfortable for doing the same," Neubauer says.
That experience led Neubauer to where she is today: Publishing her truth.
“For me it really was different to come out in this way, to come out publicly. When I first communicated with my family and friends a number of years ago, 'I’m queer; I’m interested in dating women as well,' it wasn’t as heavy. It wasn’t a moment that you press send to the publisher of a local paper right? So it was different and it certainly feels a little scary, but it's also been such a positive and affirming experience. People have been so overwhelmingly supportive, I’ve received literally hundreds of calls and emails and messages on Facebook. It's been incredible and really has shown me that we have come a long way in terms of support and acceptance in our community,” says Neubauer.
She hopes her story will inspire others the way she was inspired by the many women who paved the way for her.
“I’m just really grateful to all of the people that came before. That's Senator Tammy Baldwin; that's Marsha P. Johnson, a black transwoman that started pride many years ago. We have so many people’s shoulders to stand on and the fact that I receive overwhelmingly positive feedback and support on my article just is a testament to all of that work that's been (done) over many many years, and I’m grateful and proud to be a part for this community and hope to do work that makes it a little easier for the next person,” she says.