I am a lesbian and a mother of a lesbian and gay man. We did not choose our sexuality any more than you chose to be straight. We all, provided we can pass muster on being parents - and that includes gays and straights alike - should be given the opportunity to raise another beautiful child in the community. I can tell you from experience that gay parents are no better or worse than straight parents. We all share the same pride in our children, the same uncertainty about our parenting, the same vast love for our children.

I love Virginia, but I have known many gays and lesbians to abandon their home because of its weary politics. I am a holdout, but it may not last forever.

Claire Hollady