ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & DEDICATION

There are several people whom I’d like to recognize for their influence on and support of this project:

First and foremost, this project wouldn’t even exist were it not for the personal stories my
participants shared with me. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed these interviews: each and every
woman thoughtfully and articulately shared experiences, opinions, and ideas. I was time and again
touched by their trust and willingness to express themselves openly and am sincerely grateful for
being allowed this glimpse into such personal parts of their lives.

Doug Fletcher helped fund my last year of school through scholarships, without which the whole of
my college tenure would have been comparatively impoverished. His care, empathy, and attention
in difficult times will not be forgotten. Sara Elise Harper helped me navigate the Department of
Sociology’s requirements and helped facilitate my taking advantage of some of its best opportunities.
Professor Jennifer Barber took me on as a research assistant and intern, an experience from which I
learned immensely and that helped solidify my decision to go into the discipline professionally. (Not
insignificantly, thanks to Jennifer for gifting me her extra copy of EndNote!)

Thanks to Michigan’s Spectrum Center for awarding me a Kellogg Foundation scholarship, which
gave me the financial means to become more active in the campus queer community through service
and independent research. The Spectrum Center’s Gabe Javier offered himself as a sounding board
in the earliest stages of this project and was particularly helpful with initial recruitment efforts.
Funding from Michigan’s Department of Sociology’s greatly assisted in various administrative
aspects of this project.

My thesis work benefited extraordinarily from the support of my advisors. Professor Pamela
Smock, who—serving as my primary advisor—guided my research thoughtfully, constructively, and
creatively in its entirety. She has been a mentor in both this official role as well as through her
advice on and encouragement of my research interests and professional aspirations. Professor Gayle
Rubin’s ethnographic insight informed my approach to and incorporation of my participant’s
narratives, and her expertise in queer theory and LGBTQ studies brought an additional dimension
to every part of my work. Professor Karyn Lacy and Professor Nadine Hubbs offered continued
guidance and direction throughout the planning, research, and writing stages. Their role as cohort
leaders provided the community and peer support that I found so essential to sanely completing this
project.

Ultimately, I want to thank my partner in learning, life, and love: Lynn Marie Eckert. Her continued
encouragement and guidance have nurtured me in all the ways that matter, inspiring the direction of
my life. For all this—but most of all, for offering sustaining support, steadfast loyalty, and
unconditional love—thank you.

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