carrie&elisiaross-stone
Carrie Ross-Stone, JD, and Elisia Ross-Stone, RN, are know to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Transsexual (LGBT) community as the ‘Rainbow Grannies.’ They are the mothers of three grown children and grandmothers of two grandchildren. Married in Canada in 2003, the couple has been active for many years in the struggle for lesbian and gay civil rights.
At the lecture podium, the Grannies offer enlightening and heart-felt presentations on the long-ranging social impact on families who are often forced to live in the shadows -- as second-class American citizens.
Carrie and Elisia don’t just talk about overcoming adversity; their life is an ongoing example of it. They use their own experiences -- raising a family in a heterosexist world – riding bicycles 3500 miles across the country to advance equal marriage rights – living and working together as civil rights activists – as a launching pad to discuss issues that are relevant in today's America.
In their presentation, Carrie and Elisia reveal what is really fuelling the marriage equality controversy. They discuss the blurring of the definitions of "Sex" and "Marriage" as well as their own personal journey from grandmas to activists – a story of courage and conviction that is presented with warmth, humor and insight.
Here is a list of lectures they offer:
MARRIAGE EQUALITY:
The issue of same-sex marriage has become a raging controversy. To some, it seems as though the gay and lesbian people suddenly emerged from their collective closets to demand the right to
marry. The 2004 Presidential election may have hinged on this hot-button
issue. But what exactly is “gay marriage” and what happens to families who have no legal protections? Why are civil unions not enough? What will happen to marriage, the family and society if gays are allowed to marry? Why marriage matters to us. How and why we became activists for LGBTQ equality. Strategies for winning hearts and minds and ultimately changing laws and policy.
MARRIED AND LOVING IT:
Featuring critically acclaimed film presentation of Lesbian Grandmothers from Mars and lecture about the cross country bicycle ride/marriage equality campaign by lesbian grandmas Carrie & Elisia Ross-Stone. What motivated them to ride bicycles 3800 miles from San Francisco to New York City? What did they hope to accomplish? What is the political climate that creates the need for extreme measures? To Carrie and Elisia , the political is personal and they discuss why it is so important for gay men and lesbians to be visible in their own communities and to tell their own story.
ESTATE PLANNING FOR ALTERNATIVE FAMILIESS:
Because Gay, Lesbian and other alternative families have no legal rights or protections, they need to put their wishes in writing or they risk losing their property, their children and the power to make decisions for one another. What is the legal difference between “traditional” and “alternative” families? What is an estate and do you even have one? Why gay and lesbian partners need to make a written estate plan now more than ever. What are estate planning documents and what protections do they provide? What about children?
What happens when alternative partners break-up? Carrie and Elisia discuss difficult legal concepts with humor and insight making them less frightening and more understandable.
LIVING OUR BLISS:
Imagine living a self-sufficient life out in the country, in a house you built yourself; growing your own food. Out of the rat race with no bosses to put up with, no frustrating commutes in rush hour traffic, no rent or mortgage payments to make. Imagine a work-life that where you spend your day helping empowering people and making positive changes in the world? To what extent is this image a practical possibility? What would be the drawbacks to this kind of life? Do you have the personality to create this life for yourself? What can you do now to prepare for such a life? Carrie and Elisia discuss their own methods for creating a blissful life and provide tips for how you can do the same.
"Carrie and Elisia dare to openly protest inequality and by doing so they inspire others to follow.
"When you meet the Rainbow Grannies and hear them speak you are forced to reconsider tired-old stereotypes about what a lesbian couple looks like, how they act and what they do.
"Because they dare to make their voices heard, the Rainbow Grannies are standing up for thousands of other gay men and lesbians who live in fear of speaking up for themselves.
"I appreciated your knowledge about the special challenges to gay and lesbian couples and the extra measures that we need to take to protect ourselves against unfair laws and disgruntled relatives. The lecture was a great experience and well worth the time. I am so glad that you are able to help us establish a legally-designated alternative family!.
"Powerful and moving! What a great lecture! Today we learned that loving is the same no matter who the couple is. Thanks for opening our eyes and letting us see into your hearts.
"Elisia and Carrie, Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!! It's wonderful knowing there are women of passion and integrity who are telling the other side of the story.