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When I packed up my small farm in central Minnesota and moved south to just outside of Albert Lea five years ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My partner and I, along with our three teenagers, are what many would consider a non-traditional family, and this fact increased the worry that feeling at home and making friends in a new community may be difficult. Rejection isn’t something new for us. As a fourth-generation ordained minister from an extremely conservative family background, coming out was a painfully alienating experience. The prospect of facing that rejection anew weighed heavy on my heart and mind during our relocation journey.

Luckily, the community we have been met with here in Albert Lea has placated my fears and exceeded my expectations. We have met people from all walks of life, young and old, conservative and liberal, who have welcomed us, supported us, and loved us. Because of that I am proud to call Freeborn County home.
June is Pride Month, and although many people in our rich and diverse community acknowledge and celebrate with us, it seems like some don’t fully understand what that

means. It isn’t about arrogance. It isn’t about personal identity. It is about not being ashamed and hiding in the shadows (or closet). The first Pride parade took place in June 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots, which took place after the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn to arrest and prosecute members of the LGBTQ community simply for being who they are. The five days of this uprising against persecution proved to be a catalyst for a national civil right movement.

I am thankful to live in a community where I don’t fear discrimination or violence because of who I am or who I love, but that isn’t true everywhere and isn’t true for everyone. Visibility is important and acceptance is a matter of life or death for queer people who still face alienation and hate based solely on their identity. Because of my own visibility as a member of the queer community over the last decade, I have met many young people and even adults who have confided in me about their struggles and fears about “coming out.” It is an uphill battle when misinformed people still loudly proclaim their judgment and demand we all go back into the shadows. I know, firsthand, how important it is for a community to openly show support for their neighbors even when they don’t fit into the heteronormative mold.

So yes, I’m proud. I’m proud of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for showing support for marginalized people and non-traditional families. I’m proud of Albert Lea for being more loving and accepting than the Facebook comment section of the Pride event suggests. I’m proud of my co-workers and neighbors and friends for showing me and my family true Christian love — the kind that doesn’t point out the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the plank in your own, but instead loves unconditionally. And finally, I’m proud to stand up as an example to other LGBTQ people who are still afraid and show that it does get better, you can be yourself and here in Albert Lea you’ll find support and celebration in your own journey.

Wishing everyone a happy Dairy Month, happy Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and a happy Pride Month! I’ll also be celebrating National Veteran and Military Families Month in November, which is when it has been celebrated since 1996.

Tiffany Paino
Alden