The GLBT community is in the process of great change. In the 35 years since Stonewall, our community has made huge strides toward establishing itself in society. Ironically, as we have carved out a clear public profile we have simultaneously lost track of one another. The GLBT community is broad and diverse, but in many respects we have splintered into factions whose paths rarely cross.

“Portrait of a community” aims to correct this imbalance by talking to the men and women who make up our community.

Each portrait will be a snapshot of an individual in his or her unique environment and will include a conversation about the substance of that person’s life and the cornerstones of his or her GLBT experience.

In this way, in time, this column will create a complete portrait of our community – one member at a time.

Name: Brenda Watson

Age: Guess

Self-definition: Constantly striving for success and doing the best at whatever it may be

Where were you at 9:00 a.m. last Sunday morning?

I was up watching the Sunday morning news and preparing Super-Bowl dips and finger foods. My boyfriend and I decided to spend the afternoon together watching the game, commercials, enjoying the munchies and each other.

What person has influenced you more than any other, and how?

I would have to say my mother. My two brothers, dad and I all knew she was the boss, made the decisions and gave the orders. Mother always demanded love and respect and never took “no” for an answer. She constantly harped about getting good grades in school and supported my success and leadership in track and field. She pushed me into being a leader, so she could be proud. I left junior college as a proud J.C. All-American and accepted a full scholarship at San Diego State University. Mother taught me how to sew, iron [and] cook…. She pushed me and supported me in Cub Scouts and through Boy Scouts, where I eventually was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Mother just recently passed away (Jan. 3, 2007) to be with dad.

When do you feel unequal?

Not often! The last time I felt unequal was last year at the San Diego Earth Day. The Christian right people targeted me while [I was] volunteering at the Scouting for All booth. They physically got in my face and called me every anti-transgender slur in the book.

Where were you last Wednesday at noon?

I believe Onyx (my dog) and I were out running errands and doing some grocery shopping.

When was the last time you felt proud?

Speaking to a congregation at my mother’s funeral and revealing many memories about my mom.

If there was a defining moment in your life, what was it?

About 11 years ago, my ex-wife left me, as she finally realized I was coming out of the closet and knew there was room for only one queen in the castle. She did me a favor and moved out while I was on a trip in Mexico.

Where were you at 10 p.m. last Friday night?

I’m not a late-night person, so I

was snuggled in bed with Onyx.

What is your most immediate goal?

To sell my 1971 Camaro and 1972

El Camino

When do you feel total joy?

After volunteering with Onyx at a GLBT community event or fund-raiser

www.andrewprinter.com/unique/headshots