For more than three decades, one remarkable mother has been spreading a powerful message of love and acceptance at Pride parades. Meet Doris Thompson, a spirited 92-year-old who proudly waves her sign at New York City Pride every year. It boldly states, “I love my lesbian daughters. Keep them safe.”
“It’s incredibly important to me, and I’m thankful I can carry it each year,” Doris shared in an interview. “At 92, I plan to keep going as long as I can!” Back in 1997, she grabbed the attention of a reporter from the Washington Post, passionately stating that society still allows discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. “Diversity enriches us all,” she proclaimed, and even decades later, her commitment to that message remains unwavering.
A Journey of Advocacy
Doris’s journey as a gay rights advocate began at the very first Pride Parade in 1970, shortly after her daughters, Lily, 70, and Mia, 68, came out. She’s been a fixture at NYC Pride ever since, which takes place on the last Saturday in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots. “She truly embodies her beliefs. It’s in her blood,” Mia told reporters, emphasizing Doris’s relentless pursuit of equality and justice.
The iconic sign that has become a symbol of her activism was painted by a city planner friend. The phrase “I love my lesbian daughters” initially garnered attention in person and later went viral online. “She thrives in the spotlight; it’s where she shines,” Lily remarked. In 1993, after attending the historic LGBTQ march in Washington, D.C., Doris added “Keep them safe” to her sign, explaining that a protest sign should always convey a demand. On the back, it reads, “A proud parent of lesbians.”
Building Connections
Over the years, countless individuals have approached Doris at Pride events, often in tears, asking her to connect with their own families. “She’s built lasting friendships at these parades,” Lily said. “Her presence is a blueprint for how parents should support their children.” The impact of her message was so profound that she began receiving requests to speak to parents of LGBTQ kids. “I think I’ve changed a few minds, and that makes me happy,” Doris reflected. “Every parent should embrace their gay and lesbian children; they miss out on so much otherwise.”
If her daughters can’t make it to the parade, Doris often brings along their friends. “She’d claim them as her own,” Mia chuckled. “People would ask, ‘Are these your daughters?’ and she’d say, ‘Yes!’ even though they obviously weren’t.”
Continuing the Tradition
Now approaching her centennial, Doris is mindful of her health. She has only missed one Pride event, thanks to a heart attack, but she brings her wheelchair along for when the heat or the crowd gets overwhelming. “Since the very first parade, I’ve been there, proudly waving my sign,” she said. “It resonates with people, especially those whose parents have rejected them. The positive feedback I get keeps me motivated to continue.”
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In summary, Doris Thompson’s unwavering dedication to her daughters and the LGBTQ community shines through her decades of activism at Pride parades. With her heartwarming sign and an inspiring message, she continues to advocate for love and acceptance, proving that support for LGBTQ individuals starts at home.