Hi Friend,

My name is Shirley, and I’m writing to you this International Lesbian Day to share the story of how I finally got to stay with the woman I love. 

I met Jay in 1986. It was love at first sight. We wrote letters across oceans, made $1.89-per-minute phone calls (in the 80’s!), and kept choosing each other—even when the system didn’t recognize us. 

Jay is a U.S. citizen. I fled violence in the Philippines. And for a long time, our relationship didn’t count under U.S.  law. Because we weren’t allowed to marry, I had no way to secure immigration status. 

We had to wait 28 years before we could get married. It took nine more before I got my green card.


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Through it all, Immigration Equality stood with us. They believed in our story, and they fought for us. We are both so grateful for their help! 

Today, I’m safe. Jay and I are still in love, and we recently became grandparents! We’re finally living our lives without fear. 

There are so many queer couples still waiting, still separated, still afraid. I hope you’ll support Immigration Equality so they can help other families like ours.

With all my heart, 
Shirley

👉 Donate now—for every lesbian, every immigrant, and every love that refuses to be erased.