Barbara came out three years ago and immediately became active in the gender community. She served as Secretary for the ETVC for a time and helped organize many educational activities for the Rainbow Gender Association. Later, Barbara became an active member of the Metropolitan Community Church transgender support group.
Enlisting the support of management and co-workers, she undertook a successful transition at Sun Microsystems, completing her SRS in 1995. She shared stories of her transition with the press and appeared on local television programs relating her experience. Barbara's story helped inspire the collaboration of Chloe Rounsley and Mildred Brown, producing the book True Selves.
Happiness was elusive for Barbara -- her best moments were when she was active in the community. While sometimes cranky, Barbara was always willing and eager to help others.
Barbara's last public appearance was at the book release party for True Selves on Nov. 8, where she was honored for her contributions. In a sense, this valuable book is her epitaph and her legacy.
-Jamie Faye Fenton