Daughter of homophobic activist is out and proud

By Maryam Omidi • November 5, 2007 - 12:54

Ms Contrada is also starring in a high school production of The Laramie Project.

1 Comment on Daughter of homophobic activist is out and proud

The daughter of a vehemently anti-gay activist has revealed that she is a lesbian.

Claudia Contrada, whose mother Amy Contrada forms one half of the US hate group MassResistance, has stood up for young people struggling with homophobia in their homes or communities.

In 2005, Mrs Contrada attended a conference which advocated sending gay teenagers to conversion camps.

MassResistance is a homophobic organisation in Massachusetts, which has campaigned zealously against all pro-gay developments since its inception in 1995.

In 2006 it successfully led a fight to prevent bills to introduce mandatory sexuality and homosexuality education in schools and the legalisation of same-sex marriages through statute.

Describing her relationship with her mother, Claudia Contrada admits that "It's difficult.

"We clash horribly," she said in an interview with queertoday.com

"It's really stressful because there's always an argument going on.

"I am a lesbian, which my mom still does not get. She just says that I am confused.

"I realised in around eighth grade, but I was in denial for quite some time because I was scared due to my mother constantly saying that homosexuality is wrong.

"How can it ever be wrong to love though? That's what I'd like to know."

In a further display of resistance, Ms Contrada is also starring in a high school production of The Laramie Project despite her mother's organisation of a forum against it.

The Laramie Project is a play about the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998.

"The most obvious message is acceptance," said Ms Contrada.

"But people also need to understand that Matthew Shepard's murder was not just a one time kind of thing, but it can happen anywhere."

But according to Ms Contrada, although life can be difficult you should never give up.

"If you find strength in yourself and support in your friends don't let anything hold you back.

"Things will eventually fall into place."

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