Svetlana Durkovic

Svetlana has been the only out person in Bosnia for years and now has three other out queer colleagues.  They've been under horrible pressure for an event they tried to hold last fall with Svetlana receiving many death threats and their landlord forcing them to vacate their office due to safety reasons.

On Aug 14, 2009, Svetlana emailed:

Dear Marta,
I have received your card a couple of days ago, and have been meaning to write to you but kept feeling so shocked and surprised at the same time, that I just did not know what to say.
I have placed your card in my agenda so it pops out every once and awhile and it reminds me of the message I want to write to you that I do not know how to draft.
In whatever way it can be measured, I felt so deeply moved by your action and initiative.
I have been experiencing such hostility for the past couple of years and as it is becoming so unbearable it is because of it so shocking to receive your message and intention you are expressing. I do feel honored, by both of you, and at the same time I do not feel deserving.
You are always so full of surprises and although I do not consider you a  regular funder/donor, I do not know a single other person/organization who is more concerned about my/our well being than you are ... as well as ways to make a difference in our day-to-day lives with these big/small/big things.
I have way too much happening at this time, and maybe I can be more articulate a bit later. I am sorry for not answering earlier.
This gesture of yours has been very emotional for me, particularly at this time. It feels as if you have blessed me ... and I thank you for that.

xoxox,
Svetlana

Honored by Marta Drury and Kerry Lobel