MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the LGBTQ+ community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
Profiles of these leaders will be published through the rest of February. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
David Webb. (Courtesy of Unity Mike Photography)Unity Mike Photography
David Webb
Age: 33
Community: Worcester
His story: Webb is the owner of Hamilton Computer Repairs where he works to also support the local arts scene through displaying over 10 different local artists on shop walls. Webb said he creates spaces where queer people can be themselves and navigate their identity in a professional environment.
Outside of his business, he has become active in city council, the parks department and other city organizations working to “instigate city officials into addressing things they’re not ready to, hold them accountable utilizing public records and coach others how/where to advocate to get change.”
Webb got into city politics after watching the city handling whether or not to regulate crisis pregnancy centers.
Crisis pregnancy centers, also referred to as pregnancy resource centers, claim to provide comprehensive women’s health care, although their true, and often religiously-inspired, mission often is to halt women from going through with an abortion, according to the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics.
“Watching my city seek reasons to allow them, instead of protecting it’s constituents from deceptive practices demonstrated the need for accountability and louder community activists,” Webb said.
In his words: “Watch and listen to the people who have been doing this a lot longer than you, but don’t be afraid to just start using your voice. Advocating for others a little bit can empower a lot of people and it gets easier the more you do it. Start those conversations.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
