Albuquerque PRIDE 2023: Welcome to Frank’s coming out as an ally for the very first time…
Why did I come out as an Ally?
I decided to come out as an ally for three big reasons:
- I was moved by many heartbreaking and inhumane attempts to marginalize and demonize lonely, misunderstood people who are “different”.
- I realized that it’s not enough to merely be an ally in the privacy of my own mind, that I need to publicly and enthusiastically stand up and be counted.
- I hoped that my visible support might inspire allies still in the closet to stand up and be counted as well.
How We Showed Our Support
And so, on June 10, 2023, some super cool friends (*) and I participated by cheering on everyone who marched in the Albuquerque PRIDE parade–a joyous celebration of inclusion, peace, and love–and one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
(*) Alas, we still live a world where some of these super cool people asked me not to share their names or show their faces because they still live in a place where doing so might cause them some serious backlash. Enough said.
Albuquerque PRIDE 2023 Posters
In the spirit of fun and wanting to contribute, not merely to spectate, we got together the day before and made some awesome posters…
All proudly and enthusiastically shared with everyone on parade day…
A message of love and courage to allies still in the closet…
Every one of us who comes out in visible support sets a powerful example. For one, it tells other closeted allies that it’s ok to think what they’re thinking and might inspire them to come out, too. But most important, it tells everyone who’s “different” that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them and that they are unconditionally loved.
And a message of love and hope to everybody who’s “different“…
Please don’t lose heart. The number of allies is growing (even in some pleasantly surprising places) and the day is coming when you will not merely be tolerated, but fully embraced for who you really are.
also see… Albuquerque Pride Parade 2025
Good move!
Thanks for the resonance, Teresa, wherever you are!
I am back on the west coast of North America after a great time in Portugal (cut short by covid … but I’m recovering).
I agree with your post. It’s past time to speak up and demonstrate our support. Strength in numbers!
Boo on getting sick and cutting your trip short, but glad you’re recovering. Strength in numbers indeed, hopefully leading to a major tipping point. All the best.
I’d hardly call myself a closeted ally, but it’s seriously time to wear it on my sleeve. The infuriating rhetoric from our right wing politicians is beyond dangerous. Yesterday, I got a rainbow flag for my front porch. In my small conservative town, I’m sure gays want to know who their allies are.
You’re a good man, Jeff, and a fine teacher.
Thank you, Frank! As a gay man, it infuriates me to see the state legislative attacks on the LGBTQ community that are based in fear, hate, and—quite honestly—ignorance. To be honest, it also makes me anxious to see what’s happening, and makes me a little more cautious in how I move through life.
It’s up to *everyone* to put an end to this so, again, thank you for your support.
I, too, am infuriated by the hundreds of state legislative attacks. For what it’s worth, recent events compelled me to fight back in the courts by become a sustaining donor to ACLU, FFRF, and the Trevor Project.
I’m glad you’re here, Dan.