Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Another activist headed to the street...not by choice!
Ever since I was involved in ACT-UP in the late 1980's in New York, I've seen how the left often disregards the needs of individuals over the cause. When I hear that Lane Hudson is still without a job or that Maria Leavey died without the health care she so desperately needed -- health care the political elite of Washington failed to provide -- it breaks my heart.Tyrone Garner, a plaintiff in the historic Lawrence v. Texas case which overturned sodomy laws, died so poor his body went unclaimed until activists demanded action. And long time readers are familiar with my past (and less frequent, I am happy to say) pleas for help in financing the work of this blog.
And now, Kevin-Douglas Olive is fighting the battle of his life to honor the dying wishes of his late partner, Russell Groff. His fight, one he has taken on for us all, has cost him everything. Because Maryland is engaged in the fight for marriage equality in the state's highest court, this case is even more important. It's not about Kevin and Russell. It's about the rights of every fair minded American.
Here's the story as it's been shared with me by one of Maryland's leading LGBT activists:
Kevin-Douglas Olive and Russell Groff were in a committed, loving relationship for 6 years. The two were united in a Quaker wedding ceremony and pledged to spend the rest of their lives together. Sadly, Russell became sick as a result of HIV; Kevin-Douglas was by his partner’s side during every minute of this painful illness. These two men made some very important decisions before Russell’s death in 2004. Part of getting their affairs in order included preparing a will to ensure that Russell’s wishes would be followed at the time of his death. Kevin-Douglas and Russell purchased the gravesite near their childhood homes, and Russell’s body was buried there after his death. The two bought the gravesite with the intention that Kevin-Douglas would be buried next to Russell.I am hoping BlogACTIVE readers will drop by PayPal and toss a few bucks at Kevin. If you are having trouble with the auto link, you can send your PayPal donation to: ndividual1@hotmail.com (Note: There is no "i" before "ndividual1")
Russell’s parents, who never accepted their son as he was, decided to challenge Russell’s will in the Maryland court system. They want to have their son’s body moved to the family cemetery, a Baptist cemetery. A Baltimore City Orphan Court found the will valid, but the Groff’s have chosen to appeal. They won’t give up on overturning their son’s last wishes! This legal battle has cost Kevin-Douglas everything. It cost him the time he should have had to properly grieve the loss of his partner as well as thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees to enforce Russell’s will. He is now out of funds to continue this fight for justice, and barring our help, will begin selling his assets, includig his car, in less than two weeks. Russell needs our help to navigate his way out of this nightmare.
For more information on Kevin-Douglas Olive’s struggle please read the following articles in The Washington Blade:
Baltimore man wins gravesite battle
Man fights partner’s family over gravesite, Parents want gay son’s body moved to family plot
By: Michael Rogers
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