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Sixth-Grader With Two Moms 'Files' Brief Supporting Marriage Equality to Supreme Court

Sixth-Grader With Two Moms 'Files' Brief Supporting Marriage Equality to Supreme Court
sunnivie

Eleven-year-old Cameron Milne Myers lives in North Carolina with her two moms, Susan and Sheila. She thinks her life is pretty awesome — she gets excellent grades, is active in soccer, tennis, and charity work, and last year, her moms took her to New York where they were legally married on their 25th anniversary.

All this led Cameron, Susan, and Sheila to have a family discussion about the path toward marriage equality, following President Obama's inaugural address. Cameron's moms told her that the Supreme Court would be considering marriage equality this month, and Cameron wanted to make sure her voice was heard.

So she wrote a letter to each Supreme Court justice, offering them first-hand advice about the experience of a modern American youth with two gay parents. 

Here's Cameron's letter, posted via the Campaign for Southern Equality:

Hello,

My name is Cameron. I  am eleven years old and I am currently in the 6th grade [in North Carolina]. I am the daughter of Susan and Sheila. I watched President Obama’s inauguration speech today and my parents pointed you out to me. They informed me that although President Obama is leading the fight for my parents to be treated equally, you and the other justices will be making very important decisions in the next few months. I know you are busy, but I hope you have time to read this letter.

My parents have been together for 26 years. They took me to New York on their 25th anniversary so that they could be legally married. I was so happy for them. They are the best parents a kid could ask for and I love them so much. I would like to see their marriage recognized here in our home state. Please look at our photos and think of us when you make decisions based on gay rights. We are a family. I am very proud of my parents and I hope you understand how your decision will affect my family.

If you have any concerns about the welfare of kids of gay parents, I can tell you that I am doing great.  I am so loved. Everyone I know tells me I am such a lucky kid. My parents are my life. They quiz me before tests and make sure that I am doing well in school. I  was the top student in my class last year and have made Headmaster’s List every 6 weeks. I play travel soccer and I am currently trying out for the Olympic Development Program which means they dedicate most of their weekends to traveling all over the state so that I can compete against other teams. I also play tennis. A couple of years ago I collected 200 soccer balls and sent them to Liberia for kids who do not have soccer balls. I have many good friends who love my parents. I have never been teased. I think things are going very well. Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

Cameron

A few weeks later, Cameron received a reply from Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Here's what the court's first Latina justice had to say:

Dear Cameron,

Thank you for writing to me. I always enjoy reading letters from young students. 

Unfortunately, I cannot comment on issues that might one day come before the Court, so I am unable to respond to your letter regarding marriage. I encourage you, however, to continue to think about the many important issues that impact our society.

I know dreams can come true when you work hard to achieve them. In the years to come, I wish you the joy of dreaming big, working hard, and succeeding in all you do.

With warmest regards, 

Sonia Sotomayor

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Sunnivie Brydum

<p>Sunnivie is an award-winning journalist and the managing editor at&nbsp;<em>The Advocate</em>. A proud spouse and puppy-parent, Sunnivie strives to queer up the world of reporting while covering the politics of equality daily.</p>

<p>Sunnivie is an award-winning journalist and the managing editor at&nbsp;<em>The Advocate</em>. A proud spouse and puppy-parent, Sunnivie strives to queer up the world of reporting while covering the politics of equality daily.</p>