31 Years Lost

Reverend Kennedy knows that the path to freedom and acceptance is not easy. Once a tomboy who chased girls in upstate New York, Reverend Kennedy was forced to marry a man at age 14. Her mother thought such a marriage would “cure” her. Her mother was wrong. Being black, lesbian and a woman of the church made Reverend Kennedy’s journey an uphill battle all the way, but she has never stopped fighting for her rights. From rejecting rules enforced by her mother to participating in the Stonewall Uprising, Reverend Kennedy only became more resolute. She has been out and proud as a lesbian for more than 50 years now. Her extensive work in civil rights continues to inspire younger generations.