Springfield, Massachusetts

Earskin moved from his hometown of Rochester NY for a job opportunity in Springfield in 1993. Michael moved to Springfield from the nearby town of Palmer. They met and moved into a 1950s Cape Cod house, of which they are only the second owners. They have made many significant changes to the property and have continued to update and renovate it over the years.

Earskin now works for a major manufacturer in the region. He is an amateur photographer and has recently started a small business as a portrait and event photographer. Michael has spent 20 years in various human services positions. He volunteers as a court appointed special advocate, is a member of a local human rights committee, and is now training to be a hospice volunteer. In June 2004, they were married and are the proud foster parents to a now-adult young man named Juan as well as the proud human parents to a very personable Chihuahua named Pepe'.

Michael and Earskin enjoy Springfield’s small town feel and big city amenities, with a movie theater, restaurants, parks and services convenient to their home. They feel that Springfield's downtown night life is second to none with cultural events at Symphony Hall and City Stage as well as dining and dancing, all within walking distance of hotels for when friends and relatives visit.

As a gay couple, they love the eclectic network of friends and acquaintances they have made over the years, which makes Springfield a wonderful place to live. Whether a dinner party at a friend’s home, gay bowling, or Symphony gala, they value and enjoy the growing GLBT community. “There is a vibrant gay community and those who support us here in Springfield, and we see it getting stronger and more diverse each year,”  says Earskin.