At 92 years old, a remarkable woman named Helen Thompson has been attending Pride events in New York City for over three decades, proudly displaying her poignant sign that reads, “I cherish my lesbian daughters. Keep them safe.” Helen emphasizes the significance of unconditional love for children, a message she has consistently conveyed since the first Pride Parade in 1970. Her daughters, Lisa and Nicole, came out shortly thereafter, and Helen has made it her mission to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights ever since.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to carry this sign every year,” she told Buzzfeed. “I’m 92 now, and I intend to keep participating for as long as I can.” During a Pride event in 1997, Helen caught the attention of a reporter from The Washington Post, expressing her concern about societal discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. “Diversity enriches us all,” she stated, a message she continues to share decades later.
A Lifelong Commitment to Activism
Helen’s activism began at the inaugural Pride Parade, and since then, she has been a fixture at the event, which takes place on the last Saturday of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots. “She truly embodies her beliefs. This is her life’s work,” Lisa noted, highlighting Helen’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice.
The sign, created by a close friend who worked as a city planner, has captured the hearts of many both in person and online. Initially reading “I cherish my lesbian daughters,” Helen added the phrase “Keep them safe” in 1993 during a historic LGBT march in Washington, D.C., believing that every protest sign should include a demand. The reverse side of the sign proudly states, “A proud parent of lesbians.”
Inspiring Connections
Helen’s presence at Pride has inspired countless individuals, with many approaching her to share their stories and seek her support. “People would rush up to her, crying, asking, ‘Would you be my mother?’” Lisa explained. “She has formed lasting connections with many attendees.” Her positive and affirming message resonated so deeply that she began receiving requests from others wanting her to reach out to parents of LGBTQ+ individuals. “I believe I’ve changed a few perspectives along the way, and I’m proud of that,” she said. “Parents should embrace their gay and lesbian children; otherwise, they miss out on so much joy.”
Whenever her daughters were unable to attend Pride, Helen would bring along their friends. “She would adopt them as her own for the day,” Nicole shared. “People would often ask, ‘Are these your daughters?’ and she would enthusiastically say ‘yes!’ even when they clearly weren’t.”
Continuing the Fight
As she approaches her centennial year, Helen remains determined to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, despite her health challenges. She has only missed one Pride event due to a heart attack, and she now uses a wheelchair when needed. Her beloved sign is still in great condition, and she plans to continue waving it proudly at future events. “Since the very first parade, I’ve participated and shared my message,” Helen remarked. “The reaction to my sign is always heartwarming and motivates me to keep going.”
Resources for Family Building
To learn more about home insemination options, check out this informative resource on family building options. For those interested in fertility topics, weight discussions at fertility clinics is also worth a read. Additionally, for those exploring self insemination, consider visiting this link for more insights.
Conclusion
In summary, Helen Thompson is a beacon of love and acceptance, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights with her iconic sign for over 30 years. Her story inspires many, reminding us of the importance of supporting and loving our children, irrespective of their sexual orientation.