Karen Thompson gained national recognition following the November 13, 1983 car accident of her partner Sharon Kowalski, who sustained a traumatic brain injury after a drunk driver hit her car. After the accident, Sharon's biological family refused to acknowledge or accept Sharon's relationship with Karen and kept them apart for more than three and a half years. After an 8-year battle, Karen was awarded legal custody of Sharon. Karen now speaks across the country to raise awareness for human rights issues, including the legal protection of LGBTQIA relationships.