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LGBTQ+ Advocate Arlene Goldberg Releases Memoir “Simple Human Dignity”

Award-winning LGBTQ+ advocate Arlene Goldberg is out with a memoir titled, “Simple Human Dignity: My Life, My Wife, Our Story.”

The compelling narratives weaved through this memoir tell the story of Arlene’s life and her 47-year relationship with her wife Carol Goldwasser. In April of 2014, Arlene became a plaintiff in a class action lawsuit brought on by the American Civil Liberties Union that led to U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle ruling that Florida’s ban on same sex-marriage was unconstitutional. The decision came prior to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges that struck down same-sex marriage bans throughout the country.

Through this case, Arlene and Carol Goldwasser made history by becoming the first same-sex couple to have their marriage legally recognized by the state of Florida. The victory was bitter-sweet, as Carol did not live to see that day.

Ahead of Goldberg’s book signing event Dec. 18 at Engel & Völkers in downtown Fort Myers from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., we sit down with her for an intimate exploration of the book her life with Carol and her ongoing advocacy work.