The Last Page is dedicated to individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Tampa Bay and Central Florida.
This issue, we check in with Alison M. Foley-Rothrock, Esq., of Foley Immigration Law. Keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers of your community.
What do you do professionally?
I provide legal services to immigrants, their families and businesses.
I also manage a nonprofit organization of Survivors and Allies working to end abuse and exploitation in our communities.
How do you champion for the local LGBTQ community?
In my legal work, I help folx navigate the immigration laws so that they can live and work in the U.S. legally. I am most passionate about cases that involve political asylum (legal protection for individuals who are in fear of returning to their home countries due to persecution) and helping same-sex couples.
I also volunteer with several groups like Equality Florida and the ACLU where we push for policies that better protect our LGBTQ+ community.
A key part of Red Tent’s mission is that we are radically inclusive and intentionally reach out to marginalized communities that are too often left by the wayside in more traditional and especially faith-based social services organizations.
I have always felt that one of the most important ways that I champion the LGBTQ++ community is by living my life out and proud and showing up for my community, even though I’m in a profession where I’ve been counseled more than once to be careful not to be labeled “that gay lawyer.”
Obviously, I did not listen and have no such intentions.
What is your favorite thing to read in Watermark?
I love to read about current events, whether it’s changes in the legal and political landscape or upcoming festivals, shows, etc. Watermark helps me stay current on all of the various aspects of queer life in Florida.
What is your favorite local LGBTQ event?
I love the Equality Florida Tampa Gala. My husband and I have gone every year since we started dating in 2014.
I always tell people, “It’s like a big gay prom for grown-ups!” The food, drinks and entertainment are far better than any prom, though – and besides that, the art auction has kept my home full of beautiful pieces that help raise money to affect positive change in our communities. It doesn’t get much better than that.
What is your favorite thing about your local LGBTQ community?
We really are family. No matter where I go, there are people I can connect with and count on through thick and thin. Sometimes there’s in-fighting, but no matter what there is always LOVE.
What would you like to see improved in your local LGBTQ community?
There’s always room for improvement. The major area I see is inclusivity and intersectionality within our community. We are making progress in terms of supporting our trans and BIPOC brethren. We need to extend that and delve more into mental health, disabilities and immigration status.
What would you like our readers to know about you?
Sarcasm is my love language.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stand up for yourself as much as you would any other person.
How has Foley Immigration Law navigated the challenges of COVID-19?
We are making better and broader use of technologies like video conferencing and electronic filings to work around social distancing. We had to scale back when the shutdowns began, but we are growing again.
What else should readers know about Foley Immigration Law and the work you’re doing?
I take it very personally.
So many times I will have a discussion with someone about a topic that they view as “just politics,” but for me issues of gender, sexuality, race relations, immigrant rights … all of these things affect my life and my family every day, besides the fact that I have made human rights my life’s work.
Hometown: Lakeland, Florida (I grew up elsewhere, but this is home.)
Identifies As: Queer
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Out Year: 2009
Profession: Attorney and owner at Foley Immigration Law and founder of Red Tent Initiative
Professional Role Model: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Autobiography Title: “The Nine Lives of Alison Marie”
Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Dance, Visual Art in a variety of forms
