For the past year, we have had the privilege of spotlighting 16 LGBTQ women in our community. We’ve read about musicians, LGBTQ activists, pride volunteers, and business owners. With over 1,300 votes, you voted for Suzanne McArdle as the 2013 W.Y.S.M. of the Year.
McArdle is a 29-year old professional working for the U.S. Census Bureau. She grew up in the PG County area of Maryland, and currently lives in Silver Spring. McArdle is most known for her participation with Team DC as the Co-Chair of Night OUT at the Nationals Committee.
“Bringing a large group of Census Bureau employees to Team DC’s Night OUT at the Nationals game as part of our Pride celebratory events three years ago ended up aligning the stars for me to serve as one of the event’s co-chairs,” says McArdle.
Now, she is currently continuing to stay active in her LGBT & Allied employee group, and looks forward to serving her fourth year on the Night OUT committee.
How does it feel to be the 2013 Tagg Magazine W.Y.S.M. of the Year?
This entire experience is just another instance in my life I’ve felt really embraced by friends, family, coworkers and friends of friends. This really is another reminder of how lucky I am. I have been able to be myself at every turn in life—a really simple notion that not everyone, especially members of the LGBT community, is afforded—and I grew up in a very supportive family. I got stuck with very supportive teachers and professors along the way, I work in a very supportive environment with some of the hardest working people I’ve known to date, and I have been surrounded by some of the most amazing friends in the world.
Favorite activities and hobbies.
I love spending time with my nieces and all of the other little minions in my family. I love family dinners with the two women who make up my very own modern family—my top chef roommate and my girlfriend.
What’s an interesting fact that people would be surprised to know about you?
I really like to be the little spoon.
What kind of feedback did you receive when you were featured as a Tagg W.Y.S.M.?
A lot of friends and even other folks I’d never met went out of their way to contact me and let me know how cool they thought it was I was featured in Tagg in this way. I couldn’t have agreed with them more.
We’ve seen such a diverse group of queer women spotlighted in Tagg. In your opinion, what makes a great W.Y.S.M.?
I have loved reading about all of the women featured in Tagg. Queer women with manners make a good name for all of us. I think anyone who positively influences the perception of our community is great.
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
I am really looking forward to family, friends, football, and my fireplace. Last year I was spoiled and lucky enough to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. As a kid we celebrated Hanukkah with my stepfamily. As an adult, it has been really neat to begin that tradition again with my girlfriend.
Suzanne McArdle with her Team DC Night OUT Co-Chair
What can we expect from you in the next year?
We’ll be looking to bring more of Tagg’s following to ALL of the Team DC Night OUT events. The Night OUT events offers a really neat opportunity for the LGBT community to be visible in the world of professional sports. By attending professional sporting events in large groups, we show the community at large that we exist and we create a safe and inclusive environment to watch the sports we love.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself continuing simple conversations to persuade people that everyone deserves love in their life—and everyone deserves to have that love and the family bound by that love legally, socially and financially protected by marriage. In five years, I see myself married and caring for my own little minions.
What would be your advice for next year’s W.Y.S.M. of the Year?
Next year’s W.Y.S.M. of the Year is already a rock star. Just keep rocking on!
Read more about Stephanie here.
