Jennifer Widd, 29, is a Chicago Public Schools science teacher who actually has been active in the GLBT community since being an undergraduate at Loyola University, where she joined the school’s GLB alliance.
Jennifer has made her mark primarily as a marriage activist.
Two years ago, she and her partner, Michelle Balabad, created a Web site that details their story and educates every visitor about why marriage is relevant. Jennifer was important in creating Equal Marriage NOW! and continues her efforts with the group in organizing rallies, petition drives, and other events. Jennifer and Michelle were featured in the Chicago Tribune’s Red Eye cover story that discussed the personal impact of Massachusetts’ law, legalization of same-sex marriages, and why civil marriage is so important for equality. Last year, Jennifer and her partner participated in Philadelphia’s Equality Forum Project 1138 that brought couples together from around the country.
In addition to marriage equality, Jennifer is also involved in educating, supporting, and empowering lesbians and bisexual women. She has been a member of Kindred Hearts for several years and co-founded BLAST (Bisexual Women and Lesbians At Service Together). BLAST organizes volunteers for various community service efforts from soup kitchens to breast cancer walks. Outside of the GLBT community, Jennifer volunteers every summer at Camp One Step at a Time, which is for children and teens who have cancer.
DID YOU KNOW? In the years since their 2000 civil union in Vermont, Jennifer and Michelle have renewed their vows in Florida, Alaska, Tennessee, and Nebraska.