In a heartwarming display of love and support, one remarkable mother has been making her presence felt at Pride events for more than three decades. Frances Goldin, a vibrant 92-year-old, has proudly carried her sign reading “I adore my lesbian daughters. Keep them safe” at the New York City Pride parade year after year. The dedication she shows to her daughters and the LGBTQ+ community is nothing short of inspiring.
“I am so grateful that I can carry this message each year,” Frances expressed in an interview. “At 92, I hope to keep attending for as long as I can.” Her journey as an advocate for gay rights began at the inaugural Pride Parade in 1970, shortly after her daughters, Mia and Jenna, came out. Frances has been a steadfast supporter of the event since its inception, which occurs on the last Saturday in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots. “She truly embodies her beliefs; it’s her life’s work,” Mia shared with the media, emphasizing her mother’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice.
The sign, which has been lovingly crafted by a close friend, has garnered attention both in person and online over the years. Frances, with her extroverted personality, enjoys the limelight. In 1993, during a significant LGBT march in Washington, D.C., she added the phrase “Keep them safe” to her sign, reinforcing the importance of advocacy. The reverse side of her sign proudly declares she is “a proud parent of lesbians.”
Frances’ presence at Pride events has not just been about showcasing her support; it has become a beacon of hope for many young LGBTQ+ individuals. “People would rush up to her, often in tears, asking her to be their mother or to call their own parents,” Jenna recounted. “She has formed lasting bonds with many attendees and is a role model for how parents should embrace their children.”
Her positive message resonated with so many that she began receiving requests from parents seeking guidance on how to support their LGBTQ+ children. “I truly believe I’ve changed a few minds and I’m grateful for that,” Frances said, emphasizing that every parent should stand by their gay and lesbian children. “They’re missing out on so much if they don’t.” When her own daughters couldn’t attend, she would bring along their friends, playfully claiming them as her daughters for the day. “She’d say, ‘Yes, they are mine!’ even if they weren’t biologically related,” Jenna added with a chuckle.
As Frances approaches her centennial year, her health has become a priority. Although she has only missed one Pride event due to a heart attack, she now brings a wheelchair for when the heat or crowd becomes overwhelming. Her sign remains in excellent condition, and she is determined to continue her tradition. “I’ve waved my sign since the beginning, and it resonates with people, especially those whose parents have rejected them. The support I receive urges me to keep going,” Frances shared.
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Summary
Frances Goldin, a 92-year-old mother, has been attending Pride events for over 30 years with her sign that reads “I adore my lesbian daughters. Keep them safe.” Her unwavering support for her daughters and the LGBTQ+ community has inspired many. Despite her age, she continues to advocate for equality and has become a cherished figure at Pride, demonstrating the power of love and acceptance.
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