In December, I'll be speaking at the Southern Nevada Herpetological Society on a topic near and dear to my heart, "The Evolving Roles of Women in the Reptile Community."

There are some amazing women who lead the way for us, and I have reached out to some of them for background on this talk. I would like to hear from everyone.

Here's my story. When I meet new people and talk about reptiles, somehow it all boils down to this: "Oh, your husband must be happy you like his animals." My husband has no clue what animals live in our house nor what their care entails. I can't remember the last cage he cleaned or feeding he did. The animals are all mine, and their care falls to me. The reptiles are my world, he just gets to look at the pretty things.

Last year, Tracy Barker and I collected stories on the proposed legislation would directly impact women. Again I ask for your stories. I want to know how reptiles in general came to be in your life, how it has changed your life and who inspired you along the way. I also want to hear how people perceive you as a reptile keeper.

Tracy has always been one of my herper heroes. She is an amazing spitfire of a woman. Working in the zoological field and the private breeder field, Tracy has taken the python world by storm. She and her husband, Dave, pioneered many of the species I keep today. Grace Olive Wiley was another inspiring woman who lived and eventually died for her passion. While her handling skills still give venomous keepers pause today, she was a pioneer in a world that was at that time heavily male dominated. Both of our ties to the reptile community in Chicago add her to my list of inspirations.

Women make up half of our membership here on kingsnake, and over the years I have always made it a point to spotlight women in all areas of the community. Who inspired or inspires you? What got you going in reptiles? What changes have you seen in folks' perceptions?

Who are your heroes?