It was amazing.  As the first cruise and the first Olivia cruise for both me and my partner, it was incredible.  I could dream of the world being different when facing the crazy dichotomy of New Orleans in the 70's but never imagined the possbility of having the opportunity to immerse myself in our culture and herstory like the cruise offered.  To see such a diverse crowd, to be sharing not just the war stories but the incredible victories, just to be with so many women who were so comfortable with themselves, their partners, their lives -- what a week!

We need Olivia to continue opening doors for our current and future comfort.  But we also need her to provide the opportunities to review the past and the very bumpy, painful road we have already walked.

Thank you, OLIVIA and the many fine women (and one guy) who worked to produce this endeavor and the others like it.

Vicki

What a wonderful thing to see as I revisit our now "herstorical" cruise boards. 

 This was our 6th Olivia vacation and one of the most meaningful for me as well.  We have come so far and to look back from here is a most welcomed sight.  I feel that we have reached a tipping point in equality and the many speakers, slide shows, musicians and my own personal herstory were all part of it.  Hurrah and hurray!

It is easy to party hearty but this was so far beyond a party at sea. 

 My thanks to Olivia and everyone involved.

Well said, Tecia.  Best to you and yours.

Barb

So very well said Tecia!!
Thank you for sharing with us!!!

Well, that was our first Olivia vacation and we had such an amazing time. While the cruise experience itself was great, (also a first), the experience of sharing our vacation with so many amazing pioneers of women's, and gay and lesbian rights was humbling. We had no idea what to expect and were completely blown away with the amount of 'her'story on board, not just from the entertainers and ladies of Olivia, but from the individuals we met at dinner, poolside, etc. I want to thank each of you that we met, or did not meet for your continuous role in the fight for equality. Because of you, I have not endured discrimination as a biracial lesbian and I was able to compete in college athletics. I was able to get an education. I will take the torch and continue the fight. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and inspired to do more. And I thought I was just going on vacation. :-) 

Thank you again! Wishing you all the very best!

Tecia Timmel

teciat76@gmail.com

You can find me on Facebook under Tecia Timmel.