The Diane Alexis Whipple Case
by Gabrielle
4/1/02

 

I have been following the news regarding the Diane Alexis Whipple case for a variety of reasons. One because I went to the same university as Diane and worked in the Sports Information Department there while she was the number one women's collegiate lacrosse player in the country. While I never had a chance to meet Diane, I was well aware of her exploits on the lacrosse field. Those who knew and worked with her always had wonderful things to say about her.

As an animal lover, I was struck by the viciousness of the attack that killed Diane Whipple. What kind of people would actually breed animals to thirst for human blood? More importantly, why would animals like that be allowed in an urban apartment complex? Should we not expect to be safe in our own homes?

Most importantly, I felt the true pain of seeing a partner lose their loved one violently at much too early of an age. I could not begin to comprehend if something like that happened to Xena. The anguish Sharon Smith conveyed was intense and could be felt by anyone who saw her or listened to her. I admire the courage she showed in making sure that the legal system punished those responsible for Diane's vicious death. I was appalled by the fact that the owners of the dog attempted to make Diane appear responsible for her own death by saying that she must have had her period, been on steroids, or should have just shut the door to her apartment to avoid the dogs.

I can not stress enough the importance of lesbian estate planning. It is important to remember that because we have no inherent legal rights in our relationships, we need to actively seek legal counsel to protect ourselves to the fullest extent of the law. Sharon Smith was able to prove that she and Diane were in a committed relationship because they had legal documents, including handwritten wills, stating the nature of their partnership. Ladies, THESE DOCUMENTS ARE IMPORTANT!! While these are difficult subjects to discuss or think about with your partner, the ramifications of not doing it can be enormous.

Website Links:

• Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund - Information on health care, living wills, Power of Attorney and more.
• Story from ABCNews.com regarding the guilty verdict in this case.
• Link to story about her partner Sharon Smith in the April 24, 2001 Advocate.
• Information on this case at the one year anniversary of Diane Whipple's death from Gay.com.

Diane Alexis Whipple Foundation
2443 Filmore St.
Box #432
San Francisco, CA 94115

This is the official memorial foundation for Diane Alexis Whipple. All cards and memorial donations should be sent to this address. Sharon Smith has made a commitment to keep Diane's spirit alive through this foundation.

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