"I'm from Topeka, Kansas. That means the Westboro Baptist Church is from my hometown - but you know what else is from my hometown? The folks who bought a house across from that church and painted it rainbow flag colors. Then they bought the one next to it and painted it like the trans flag. If you ever feel discouraged by the hate that exists in the world, or like the place you're from won't accept you, remember that queer folks are everywhere, even if you can't always see us. We might be right across the street. And sure, there are some terrible people in my hometown - but there's also the people who stood up to them. I have never been so proud of Topeka, Kansas as standing in front of that rainbow house. Don't give up on rural or seemingly conservative places that seem unaccepting on the surface - we're here too. If you need to leave those places for your safety, don't feel bad about it, but don't assume that all of us who are from here are homophobic, transphobic, etc. There are queer people and allies everywhere."
— Anonymous, Pride 2024: Who We Are 🌈(survey)
