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3/15/2009
Senator Richard Sears
Senate Judiciary Committee
Vermont State House
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05601

Dear Senator Sears,

We are Scott Heller and Dave King, owners of Frog Meadow Farm Bed and Breakfast, Newfane Vermont.  We have been partners for 18 years. Dave has lived in Newfane for 38 years. Scott moved to Newfane in 1996 to be with Dave.  Dave has been a chef, ski patroller, mountain bike guide and broadcast journalist. Scott has spent most of his career in the catalog and direct marketing industry.

In 1995 we built our home on Newfane Hill and enjoyed it as our private home for 11 years. In 2006 we found ourselves in need of additional income.  We decided we would open our home as a Bed and Breakfast for gay tourists. We have traveled extensively in the past and as often as possible chose bed and breakfasts catering to a gay clientele. Friends who are not gay ask why and we explain that even in this day and age we often feel uncomfortable in a “mixed” setting expressing affection for each other or being able to discuss our lives frankly with others. We have come a long way as a country in terms of gays being accepted in society at large but we still have far to go.

So we thought that if we were to provide a welcoming non-judgmental environment for gay visitors coming to Vermont we would be providing a service to the community and also making a smart business decision. By tapping into a niche market we would not be competing with every bed and breakfast in the area, we would have our own customers.

We opened Frog Meadow Farm in 2007 and have done reasonably well with it. Vermont’s reputation as a gay-friendly destination has certainly helped. Vermont being the first in the nation to offer the same benefits as heterosexual couples to same sex couples made us proud. We had our own civil union here at Frog Meadow July 21, 2001.

Frog Meadow Farm | PO Box 332 Newfane Vermont | 802.365.7242

 

 

In February 2008 we had a couple from Florida stay with us and we hosted their civil union celebration. At the time Vermont was one of the only states to offer any kind of recognition to out of state residents. While same sex marriage was legal in Massachusetts, the 1913 law limiting it to residents had not yet been repealed. Florida would not, and still doesn’t recognize their civil union but that wasn’t the point. The point was the fact that any state or governmental body would recognize their relationship. They could stand in front of a justice of the peace as a couple and declare their love – and a governmental body would recognize them as a couple. That was what was important to them. It was a moving experience to see this powerful moment unfolding in our home.

We became excited about the possibilities of doing more civil unions and making that be a part of our business. We got a call that spring from a couple who also wanted to come to Vermont to have a civil union in the summer of 2008. And while they were not going to have the ceremony at Frog Meadow they did want to honeymoon here for several days. Then in July 2008 Massachusetts repealed the residency requirement for same sex marriage which was, of course, a good thing. The law was a bad use of an antiquated law. We got a call a few days later saying they had decided to cancel because now they could get married in Massachusetts instead of only being able to have a civil union in Vermont. Some might ask what the difference is. Neither marriage nor civil union would be recognized in their home state.  And civil union gives all the rights and responsibilities that Vermont can offer as marriage. We believe the answer is that gay people do not want to be marginalized. Separate is not equal. Civil union creates a second class of citizens. We are allowed to ride the bus but we have to ride in the back. We want to ride up front with everyone else.

And now there is same sex marriage in Connecticut. Maine has a bill in the works. Experts predict that should such a bill pass in Maine it would add 60 million dollars to the tourism economy in that state.  Studies show similar significant economic impacts in Vermont.

So here we are in a state that depends on tourism dollars. Vermont was at the forefront of offering rights to same sex couples in 2001 and for years has had the reputation as being the most gay-friendly state in the US. Recently there was an article in a well known gay publication that declared that Massachusetts is the most gay friendly state in the US.  It’s time for Vermont to reclaim our reputation!

Vermont competes with other states for tourism dollars in many areas.  We must stay competitive.  Frog Meadow depends on gay tourism dollars. We are not a couple of wealthy guys dabbling in bed and breakfast as a hobby. This is our primary income source and our livelihood depends on this! Our guests go to the local restaurants, ski areas, shops, and markets to spend their dollars. We say to our guests, “Tell them you came from Frog Meadow” when they patronize local businesses. We get many thanks and a lot of appreciation for our support of local business. We are part of the community. We’re a small place it isn’t a huge amount of money but if you multiply that many times over throughout the state it is very significant.

We can’t know how many calls we don’t get because potential guests choose Massachusetts or Connecticut over Vermont. Our neighbor New York doesn’t allow gay marriage but will recognize marriages performed in other states. This could be a huge market for us and other businesses in Vermont. We feel certain that we cannot compete with Massachusetts and Connecticut venues for weddings when all we can offer is civil union. And it goes beyond just the issue of whether or not gay couples would come to Frog Meadow to get married if they could. It has to do with the perception of Vermont as being a welcoming place for gays. The Vermont brand has suffered.

There are many reasons for all Vermonters to have full marriage equality. Mostly it’s just the right thing to do. But the economic impact for us as business owners gives it particular import and urgency. Please do not let this opportunity pass.

 

Thank you,

 

Scott Heller and David King

 

Guest Reviews

Nirvana in Vermont for Gay & Bi Men

The moment you arrive at Frog Meadow you are blown away by the natural beauty and the peaceful setting that envelops you. Beautiful flowers, gardens, private hiking trails, a pond with “frogs” that invites you to swim, a hammock, and a hot tub create a tranquil environment.

You are welcomed by your hosts Scott and Dave, given a private tour of the grounds and then you enter the Inn. You immediately recognize that the design, architecture, furnishings of the Inn was created with love and harmony. The attention to detail, the natural light, and the beautiful wood used throughout the house creates a perfect environment to relax and unwind.

Our room was incredibly comfortable and private. The entire Inn is spotless and clean. The other guests were friendly and yet also allowed my partner and me private time. Breakfast made to order by Dave was 5 star. He is not only a great cook, but also gives a great massage.

We would highly recommend this as a very special get away. We can’t wait to return!

Keno, Boston, MA
Read more guest reviews HERE
 
 

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