Charlene Strong

A designer by trade, Strong has brought the same passion for detail, precision, and grace to her work as an advocate for marriage equality. The story of her relationship with Kate Fleming and her struggle to overcome the injustice and inequality facing same-sex couples has been chronicled in the documentary film For My Wife. Strong's design expertise contributed to the eye-catching promotion of the new film, seen here.

In December 2006, during a torrential rainstorm in Seattle, Strong received a phone call from her partner of over 10 years, Kate Fleming, an internationally known audio book narrator. Fleming was at the couple's home, and their basement, which Fleming used as her home studio, was flooding. Fleming attempted to retrieve some of her recording equipment from it. But she became trapped as water jammed the door. Strong rushed to rescue her but was unable to do so.

Emergency services eventually arrived on the scene and managed to pull Fleming from the basement and transport her to the hospital. Strong was blocked from the emergency room due to the fact that the state of Washington, and hospital administrators, did not recognize her as "next of kin." She was forced to call Kate’s mother and get permission to be with her long-time partner.

Kate Fleming passed away later that evening with Strong at her side. Strong later faced the additional insult of a funeral director refusing to take direction from her about the disposition of Kate's body.

After this tragedy, Charlene decided to dedicate herself to securing equality for same-sex couples. In addition to the film that chronicles her struggle, Strong travels and speaks out on family-recognition policies and the freedom to marry for committed same-sex couples. More information about the film can be found here.
 

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Past Progressive Victory Artists of the Month

* Dan Guerrero
* E. Ethelbert Miller
* Mary Beth Guinan
* Ron Edwards
* Erik Sosa
* Elise Bryant
* Corey Gammel & Peter Marquez
* Jeri Riggs
* Robert Shetterly
* Judy Chicago
* Naomi Shihab Nye