Darlene Huntress is the Program Director for one of the few LGBT organizations on Maine - Equality Maine.

Not that I have any “favorite” interview - all of them have been intersting, exciting and educational - but my interview with Darlene was so much fun. She is such a warm and nice person and has one of those personalities that just draw you.

It was more than an interview - it was almost a class! I learned so much about LGBT politics and advocacy in Maine and about things going on around Maine.

In this part of the interview we talk about Equality Maine and their recent success in helping to get non-descrimination legislation passed in Maine after 28 years. We also discuss the climate for LGBT people in Maine and how attitutdes there have changed over time and how the issue of gay marriage is viewed versus civil rights.

We also get a visit from Oscar, Darlene’s gay cat!

If you’re like me, you’ll think this interview is great. Hope you enjoy!

If you’d like to reach Darlene you can do so through Equality Maine’s website.

And if you’d like to be generous and donate to Equality Maine you can do so by clicking here.

In Part 2 of my interview with Darlene we talk about the biggest factor in changing public opinion in favor of LGBT rights in Maine, how gay life in Maine has changed over time - especially because of the internet - and how Equality Maine uses the internet.

I also ask Darlene what Equality Maine is working on now and in the future. One of their big issues - the eventual push for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Yikes