Volunteer Spotlight: Lori Randlett

By Mallory Vance

Originally written for Issue 6 of the W.A.N.D. in 2015

In July 2009, shortly after seeing a presentation that founder Andrew Slack gave about Fandom Forward (then, The Harry Potter Alliance), Lori found herself on a multifloor elevator ride with Andrew. She used the time with her captive audience to show her passion for LGBTQ issues and to propose a more active approach on those issues for Fandom Forward. Andrew liked what he heard and invited her to join the staff. As Lori puts it, Andrew got off on his floor and she rode the elevator for three more years before her hopes and Andrew’s offer became a reality.

Lori joined HPA staff in the summer of 2012. Though few people have ever met her in person, everyone on staff knows Lori’s name. She keeps us updated with current LGBTQ issues and gives reports on victories and setbacks. Her passion shines through in every writeup she sends and her information has been a driving force for the Fandom Forward’s participation in campaigns for change.

Outside of Fandom Forward, Lori has been an LGBTQ activist for many years. She lives her life with a “see a need, fill a need” philosophy, and most of the needs she has seen revolve around LGBTQ equality. She came out as a college freshman in 1985, and she began working at a help center for queer youth in Detroit shortly after. In June 1990, she was invited to attend the New Pacific Academy in San Francisco, a month-long queer activist education and training academy founded by Cleve Jones and Luke Adams. The academy gathered 104 students from 45 states and strived for diversity. Lori’s month at the academy opened her eyes not only to many LGBTQ issues, but it also exposed her to a wider variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. Her experiences ignited a fire that she took back to Michigan with her. She continued to help in the queer community there, serving as one of two Michigan representatives who helped organize the 1993 March on Washington. Eventually, Lori moved to San Francisco. 

Currently, Lori lives in the Bay Area with her wife, their daughter, and a hyperactive dog named Nala. She is a software engineer, a Harry Potter fan, a lover of sushi, an incredible LGBTQ activist, and thanks to a 2009 elevator ride, an important part of the HPA staff.