Photo by Chris Jennings
Name: June Crenshaw
City, State of Residence: Washington, D.C.
Age: 50+
Profession: Project Manager
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
I am hardworking and fun loving. I am committed and loyal. I like to plan my spontaneity. I am intense, but generally good-natured about it unless you piss me off. I am flexible as long as we are following my plan.
Your favorite hangout spots?
I love hanging out anywhere there are good friends, family, food, and thought-provoking conversation—and that occurs in a variety of different places throughout the city.
Favorite guilty pleasure?
French fries and marathon episodes of Snapped.
Favorite quote?
My favorite quote sums up all of the things that I work on and that I am so passionate about. It’s by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “No one is free until we are all free.”
Who is your biggest influence? Why?
There are so many folks who influence me so it is hard to narrow it down to one person. However, my son is the person who comes to mind today. He influences me to want to create a better world for him and for his children. When someone is looking at you as a guide, it forces you to be the best that you can be, to set an example that he can follow. He therefore influences me to want to work harder, to live honestly and authentically. He taught me how to love unconditionally and how to laugh at myself. He also taught me that there are people worth sacrificing for. Most important, he taught me how to be a good parent.
Favorite event?
The Human Rights Campaign National Dinner, which takes place this year on October 5. This is really one of the best galas in D.C., with more than 3,000 attendees. We get a chance to dress in our formal attire for dinner/dancing, and we get to meet some great people from all over the nation.
The proceeds for this amazing evening help HRC to continue our fight for marriage equality; to elect fair-minded candidates, both locally and nationally; to pass hate crime legislation and ensure that legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act includes protections for LGBT victims; to encourage corporations to provide inclusive benefits; and to support the much-needed bullying awareness campaigns initiated in many school districts across the nation. Last, but certainly not least, the proceeds have helped HRC’s efforts around the Supreme Court challenge to DOMA and Prop 8…just to name a few things.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I feel strongly that I have enjoyed a life well lived, and I am proud of all of the things I have accomplished and been involved with, but I do regret not going to law school. But it is still on my “bucket list.”
Favorite lesbian celebrity?
Tracy Chapman; I love her music, and I love her intensity. I once searched out her house, while I was visiting San Francisco.
Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
I have an amazing collection of cowboy boots, and I wear them during every season.
