Well, I’ll start with the basics. My name is Jennifer Davis, although I generally prefer Jenny and absolutely despise being called by my surname. It makes me feel as if I’m an adult, and despite my age, I’m currently protesting the idea of adulthood. On the web, I generally go by the handle Lariawien. I just turned 24 this May. I am pagan, specifically druidic. This means, in the most simplistic terms, that I love nature and respect people and happen to believe that the creator has both a male and female aspect. Despite some misunderstanding among the mainstream populace, pagans do not worship any entity of evil, do not commit blood sacrifice, and do not have orgies around campfires. We respect life and all things living and do not live a hedonistic lifestyle, despite the comments of certain politicians or the way we are portrayed on television and in the movies.

I just graduated in December 2003 with a Master of the Arts in English from Georgia Southern University and am seeking a job in the teaching field (or hopefully by the time you read this I have gotten said job). I love to write and read (obviously, if I have two degrees in English) and am particularly fond of the science-fiction and fantasy genres. I have even won awards for papers written about science-fiction television shows and books. I am among those scholars seeking to promote the two genres in literary circles. Once, J.R.R. Tolkien, Douglas Adams, and H.P. Lovecraft were considered writers of mere pulp fiction. Now, they are often the subject of scholarly discourse. They may not yet be among the literary canon, but Tolkien, at least, is well on his way.

I am an activist for causes such as GLBT equality, women’s rights, and religious freedom. It is my firm belief that until everyone—regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or religious beliefs—can be treated equally, this country will not achieve true independence or democracy. In the current political environment, those who are still treated as second-class citizens remain in danger of losing what little rights they do have. Though in a monogamous and long-term relationship with a man, I am openly bisexual and have had relationships with women. Often I am reminded that if Bryant were a woman (and despite his personality, he is not...) we would be denied the right to marry. It is a prohibition that lacks common sense, for love is love no matter what the gender of the people involved. Love is not an evil thing or a perversion, but hate most certainly is.

If you want information on the primary activist organizations I am involved with, please visit their websites.

• PaganUnity.org
• The Human Rights Campaign
• The National Organization of Women