DeLand LGBTQ+ ally wants everyone to feel loved, from drag queens to farm animals
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DELAND — Mary Taylor Green has attended drag shows since she was 16 years old.
A few decades later, her love for the art and the people who perform it is stronger than ever.
The compassion she shows — which she feels like everyone should — has translated into her becoming a beloved "aunt" in the Central Florida drag community, the kind of chosen-family figure who is important to people in the LGBTQ+ community, especially at a time when the state is passing laws that critics say target them.
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During the DeLand Pride Pageant, Green was named Honorary Miss DeLand Pride for supporting the community, which included driving members to and from protests for LGBTQ+ rights in Tallahassee during the legislative session.
"Aunty Mary is truly a loving, kind and beautiful person," Kirk T. DaVinci, an entertainer who also serves as DeLand Pride's special events chair, said. "Knowing that her love and support is shown to the community in multiple ways, it's noticeable and very encouraging. It's always good to know that someone has your back and she definitely does."
Green's best friend Tony Bailey, who Green called her "partner in crime," said he never cries, but seeing Green recognized for her kind heart brought him to tears.
"She deserves it, all of it," Bailey said.
In the weeks after the pageant, Green still has a difficult time accepting the praise but more so the idea that kindness for which she was recognized does not exist in every person toward an LGBTQ+ individual.
"It's just utter insanity what’s going on, and it's heartbreaking," Green said during a recent interview at her farm where she cares for goats, donkeys, alpacas, and a Brahman bull named Hans. "I hate to see somebody not loved, not having people, not having family."
'Terrifying' legislation and teachings
As a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ people, Green called the recent actions taken by the state Legislature, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state education board terrifying.
On July 13, to bring K-12 schools in line with the state, the Florida Board of Education approved changes to rules that opponents say unfairly target LGBTQ+ students and families.
The board also passed a new rule on school events and activities, requiring students to have a detailed, signed permission slip to participate in certain extracurricular activities and events.
Green said it's the hateful rhetoric and attempts of others to conceal or erase the existence of drag and its performers and supporters that is damaging to children, not events like Drag Story Hour, during which drag queens hold readings of children's books for families.
"What little kid doesn't like the sparkles, the glitter, the makeup?" Green said.
Green said she's not encouraging parents to take their children to shows meant for adults, but drag does not inherently include nudity or inappropriate content.
"Check out the venue, check out what the show is going to be; do a little research before you take a child," Green said.
Green's 7-year-old granddaughter Olivia also shares in her love of drag and adores the performers, especially Ginger Minj.
"Truly, she’s been hurt that she can’t go to things," Green said.
Others recognized locally
For Pride month, which was June, the nonprofit DeLand Pride recognized the following people and businesses:
Honorary Miss DeLand Pride: Mary Taylor Green
Honorary Mister DeLand Pride: Dan Reed
Icon award: Georgia Turner, executive director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority
Entertainer of the Year: Kirk T. Davinci
Volunteers of the Year: Elliana Dix and Ella Shepherd Canova
Community leader award: Ginny-Beth Joiner
Community partner award: Athens Theatre
Bartender of the Year: Nicole Perry
Community Business Partner award: DeLand Indie Market
Community Small Business Partner award: Pretty Little Things
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: LGBTQ+ ally, a DeLand resident, talks impact of new laws on community
