Laurel Ann Hester was a police lieutenant in the United States. She attracted the attention of the whole country with her dying appeal, thanks to which the rules for providing pension savings to people with non-traditional sexual orientation in registered relationships were changed.
Biography
Laurel Ann Hester was born in Elgin, Illinois on August 15, 1956, to Diana and George Hester. However, her childhood was spent in Florham Park. In addition to the girl, the family had three more children. Two brothers Laurel George II, James and younger sister Linda.
The understanding of the unconventional nature of his orientation came to Laurel at a rather tender age. Like many lesbians, she struggled with her sexual identity. This was due to the fear of being misunderstood by both the family and society as a whole. Over time, Laurel managed to accept herself for who she is. Although at times, sexual orientation still made her feel lonely and isolated.
As a person with an active life position, already in her school years, Laurel became the co-chairman of the LGBT group. Together with Kevin Cathcart, she founded the Gay People's Alliance. Since Hester used a pseudonym, no one outside the group knew about her orientation. Laurel's role in this student group was made public in November 1975 in a letter to the editor of Argo. Later, this information served as the reason for Hester's refusal to undergo an internship at the police department. But, nevertheless, she continued to write articles for Argo, defending the rights of LGBT people.
Education and career
After leaving school, Laurel Hester entered Stockton University, which was then called Stockton State College. There she managed to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and psychology. After graduating from school, Laurel went in search of work. Her law enforcement career began in North Wildwood, New Jersey. Here she worked for about two years as a seasonal officer. But the contract for the third year of service with her was not renewed due to her non-traditional sexual orientation.
Soon she managed to get a job as a police officer in Ocean County, New Jersey. Hester devoted 23 years of her life to this work. As a detective for the county, she had to work on a variety of cases. In her department, Laurel became one of the first women to be promoted to lieutenant. In addition, she managed to win the respect of her colleagues, who always spoke of Hester only with respect.
Personal life
In 1999, Laurel Hester met Stacy Andrie. The meeting took place at a volleyball match in Philadelphia. She was 19 years older than Andrie. But this did not stop women from building personal relationships. They ended up buying a house together in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. And on October 28, 2004, Hester and Andry took the opportunity to register their relationship. However, at the time, same-sex marriage was not legal in the United States.
Illness and the search for justice
At some point, Laurel Hester fell ill and turned to doctors for help. After the examinations were carried out, she was told the terrible news. Laurel was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. The disease had metastasized to the brain and it was obvious that she had little time left.
First of all, she was puzzled about the future of her partner. The couple jointly owned a house behind which Stacey Andrie, who did not have enough income, would have to continue paying on the mortgage after Laurel's death. As a police officer with many years of experience, Hester could pass retirement savings to her spouse. But in Ocean County, this privilege did not extend to same-sex unions. Laurel approached local authorities with a request to amend the law. It was supported by the Police Assistance Association. But on November 9, 2005, the District Council of Elected Freeholders voted against the proposal. Freeholder John P. Kelly argued that such amendments threaten the "sanctity of marriage." And already on November 23, about two hundred people gathered to protest against the inaction of the authorities, ready to support Laurel Hester.
In search of justice, Hester took a desperate step. On January 18, 2006, while already in the hospital ward, she made a video message that was shown at a meeting of freeholders. The emotional speech of the weakening Hester made lawmakers look at the problem from a different angle. And already on January 20, in a teleconference, they met with the republican leaders of the district. The next day, the freeholders announced that they were changing their position and meeting again on January 25 to make changes that would allow partners in same-sex registered relationships to use their retirement savings. Important for Laurel Hester, the amendments to the law were passed three weeks before her death.
In memory of Laurel Hester
In 2007, a documentary about the life of Laurel Hester was released, entitled "The Right to Inheritance." The film won the prestigious Oscar. Eight years later, a fictional version of All I Have was presented, in which Julianne Moore played the role of Hester.
Since 2006, the League Foundation, which provides financial support to high school students with a non-traditional sexual orientation, annually awards students with the Laurel Hester Memorial Scholarship. In addition, a homonymous prize is awarded to gay officers who are members of the GOAL union.
