Debbie Schenk, Montana Mom Speaks For Interchange
Debbie Schenk, a fourth generation Montana mom to two sons, business owner and education coordinator for Bozeman’s 2013 Interchange festival takes the social health of her family, community and state seriously. An active volunteer, advocate and LGBT ally, Debbie has experienced the challenges and voids in social awareness firsthand, giving her time, love and energy to the causes and people within them. She is working hard to help those riding the crest of issues at hand that threaten and disadvantage anyone living outside the “norms” of American culture. She took time to expound and express her story and hopes to Interchange:
How have your experiences as a mother and community member influenced your decision to get involved with the shaping of dialogue and interaction in Montana concerning the safety and civil rights of its citizens?
I don’t want young people or anyone to have to live a lie. It’s exhausting and unhealthy and I watched my son do this. I heard the stories of how he cried himself to sleep some nights because he wanted to talk to us about so many things. Though he says he never doubted our love for him, society had imposed the idea that he had a secret that would bring shame, and unwanted consequences to our family upon him. Kids shouldn’t have to worry about those kinds of things. The more I learned, the more I knew I had to do better. In time, I heard stories of young people sent to be “fixed” or simply kicked out on the streets. I decided that silence was the same as saying “this is ok.” It is not and the time for more straight allies to find a voice has come.
What is the most needed change you wish to see as a result of gatherings centered on civil rights for the LGBT community in the future?
To start conversations, break down stereotypes and dispel fears. We need to celebrate diversity and realize all commonalities. I want people to be proactive rather than reactive.
How are people in Montana affected by the current need for change and education?
After 17 years we only just “decriminalized” homosexuality in our State. I worry about young LGBT people being isolated by their government; so many in rural communities have no place to turn or anyone to talk to. So much of MT of is rural, and though the services in bigger towns are very good, there is room for improvement and many areas have nothing. It puts many people experiencing the troubles my son faced at high risk.
What would you say to someone experiencing the challenge of unaccepted and perceived difference in his or her community?
I would tell the kids and families that it will be ok, I would hug them all. They need to hear it is a journey and we have to be patient. You have to learn to listen, learn to let go of old ideas and to embrace new. You will laugh and cry, you will learn and grow and in the end your world will be a bigger and better place. I want to remind them they have a voice, keep yourself safe and find people that will support you. We are out there.
What are the questions in need of asking in dialogue created by gatherings like Interchange? Where do you see the dialogue heading?
What scares you about diversity? Why is tolerance not ok? Why are so many using religions and the bible as weapons? How does who anyone chooses to love, effect anyone else?
What is Interchange to you?
An interchange is a place where people come together. At that point you decide which way to go. It is at this place you can also decide if to change direction. That, to me, is Interchange.
