Portrait: Lisa Dillan

By Contributing Writer on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - 20:42

I love a good freedom fighter. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been awed by strong women, and I’ve always had a soft but proud spot for women who rise to the occasion when the need is high. Passion over a subject is one of the greatest goods in life, in my opinion, and to risk everything for it and to take a stand regardless of the outcome, inspires me to be more. To be better.

I was asked to do this particular portrait and I felt so honored. I get a chance to pay homage to one of the women I’ve come to admire over a very short time span.

About a month ago Natazzz spoke to you about the ‘Freedom of Speech’ award. This award, for those of you who missed it, is a Norwegian award that is handed out each year to someone who’s made an exceptional contribution to sharing their specific opinions and beliefs with the public.

This year the price went to Nina Karin Monsen, a woman who has been very negative about the LGBT community, as well as about prostitutes and sperm donors. Monsen, who was one of the leading ladies in the 1970’s feminist movement, would have been someone I’d have looked up to when I was a girl.

Until she turned on the lesbian influence of the group she was working with. Of course, things progressed from bad to worse, and now there are all these statements which I think she’s allowed to say, but she should not be rewarded for with a large amount of cash and a trophy.

At any rate, this article is not about her. This article is for (and about) our heroine, the woman who, on the eve of the announcements, was on the barricades to fight for our freedom of speech. Take that ‘Freedom of Speech’ people!