Inspiring Lifestyle
This 92-year-old mom has been a proud fixture at Pride events for over three decades, carrying a heartfelt sign that reads, “I cherish my lesbian daughters. Keep them safe.” Frances Goldin has made it her mission to show love and support for her children and the LGBTQ+ community every year at the New York City Pride parade.
“It means the world to me, and I’m thankful I can continue to do this every year,” she shared with Buzzfeed. Now at the age of 92, Frances hopes to keep this tradition alive for as long as she is able. Back in 1997, she made headlines when she spoke with a reporter from The Washington Post about the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “Difference enriches us all.”
Her journey as a gay rights advocate began at New York City’s inaugural Pride Parade in 1970—right around the time her daughters, Lucy and Emma, came out. “She’s been attending Pride since the very beginning,” Frances proudly says. This annual event, celebrated on the last Saturday in June, pays tribute to the historic Stonewall riots of 1969.
Reeni, one of Frances’s daughters, expressed how truly dedicated her mother is: “She stands by her beliefs and works tirelessly for what she believes in.” The sign, which has been photographed countless times, was painted by a close friend who was a city planner. Frances first drew attention with her message of love, and then in 1993, she added “Keep them safe” during a significant LGBT march in Washington, D.C., believing that a protest sign should articulate a demand. The back of her sign proudly states, “A proud parent of lesbians.”
Photos of Frances at Pride over the years have gone viral, but her primary goal in attending these events is to support LGBTQ+ youth. “People would come up to her, crying and asking if she could be their mom,” Lucy shared. “She’s formed lasting connections with many of them at the parades. She exemplifies how parents should treat their children.”
Frances’s uplifting message has resonated with many, leading her to receive numerous requests to reach out to parents of LGBTQ+ individuals. “I believe I’ve changed a few minds, and I’m happy about that,” she remarked. “Every parent should support their gay and lesbian children; they’re missing out on so much if they don’t.” If her own daughters can’t attend, Frances happily takes their friends instead. “She would tell everyone they were her daughters, even though they weren’t,” Reeni added with a chuckle.
As she approaches her 100th birthday, Frances is mindful of her health, having missed only one Pride event due to a heart condition. She now brings a wheelchair for when the crowds and heat become overwhelming. Her beloved sign remains intact, and she intends to carry it proudly again this year. “Since the start of the parade, I’ve been waving my sign, and it resonates with many—especially those whose parents have rejected them. The support I’ve received urges me to keep showing up,” Frances shared.
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In summary, Frances Goldin’s unwavering commitment to supporting her daughters and the LGBTQ+ community is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and acceptance. For over 30 years, she has shown up at Pride events with her iconic sign, inspiring countless individuals and proving that love knows no bounds.