Look for the Rainbows in the Rain - By Wendy Wietzel

In 2019, it poured rain on our May 19 Davis Pride Festival. But something amazing happened when the rainbow umbrellas came out. We huddled closer and supported each other.

In 2020, we can be those umbrellas. While we can’t gather physically, we can huddle virtually to support each other in that same spirit. As a community that understands the stigma associated with an outbreak, we can lead the way to the rainbow in the rain.

The organizers of Davis Pride were disappointed to cancel our festival this year. However, we’re getting creative with Pride Month 2020 – celebrating virtually and visually. The Davis Phoenix Coalition is arranging to post rainbow banners on streetlights around our town. We are discussing other ways to observe and interact that still connect us despite our physical separation. Check in at Davispride.org during the month of June to see how we are celebrating.

For those of us in communities that struggle with acceptance, these times can be tough. For our Asian neighbors, stigma is rearing its ugly head as it has historically for minority groups during other health outbreaks. Those in the LGBTQ+ community are familiar with this, having navigated the AIDS outbreak.

Many in the LGBTQ+ community rely on our collective support, and miss that frequent connection. Our own Davis LGBTQ+ Youth and Yolo Rainbow Families in-person support groups have been canceled. However, we have risen to the occasion by offering even more frequent virtual meetings to check in and connect.

This segment of our community already feels marginalized and isolated. Our LGBTQ+ youths may find themselves at home with family members who struggle with accepting them. Remember to always be an upstander and call out intolerance. Now is the time to support each other on social media, and through texts, phone calls or written notes.

Since Pride Month’s roots are in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, we can honor that with online protests and peaceful, thoughtful actions that raise political awareness. Fight hate and intolerance with your words and spending choices.

Our businesses are also suffering the effects of the shelter-in-place orders. Remember to continue to support those that have been community partners in the efforts to promote safe and welcoming spaces. Reach out to see if you can purchase gift cards, and keep your memberships if possible.

The loss of pride festivals is also a lost opportunity for fundraising. Nonprofits like the Davis Phoenix Coalition rely on our annual festival to fund our projects and programs. If you are able, consider supporting some of the nonprofits doing this vital work.

Most importantly, we wish for everyone’s health and mental safety. We are present to support, listen and offer feel-good vibes to those in need. We look forward to seeing everyone next year. Be safe, well and kind in this rain, and always look for the rainbow.

The Davis Pride Festival and Run for Equality is put on by The Davis Phoenix Coalition, whos mission it is to promote a world where everyone is safe, respected and free from violence. The Davis Phoenix Coalition was formed in 2013 after the violent beating of “Mikey” Partida because of his sexual orientation. You can support their work on the the Big Day of Giving May 7th by donating at bigdayofgiving.org/dpc. For more information on the programs run by the Davis Phoenix Coalition contact admin@davisphoenixco.org or go to their website davisphoenixco.org