The Surprising History of Pride in the South

LGBTQ+ rights advocates in South Carolina wanted to start a movement, even when coming out meant risking their relationships, their jobs, and their personal safety. So activists like Harriet Hancock built safe spaces that Queer and Trans people could call their own. A simple picnic in the late 1980s started a fight for LGBTQ+ equality in South Carolina that continues today.

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[supernova]

"why are you still as involved as you are?" "because there is a need"
bless this woman

[cedrickulacz]

Hoo boy, the idea of Harrier's son coming out in 1980's South Carolina must have been TERRIFYING for him. Heck, far too often coming out as anything other than straight and cisgender is too often a dangerous endevor for young people still.

[Jon_East]

Bless this woman. Much love to South Carolina.

[PokhrajRoy.]

Thank you for this news piece! Harriet Hancock is MOTHER 👏🏽

[ETBrenner]

As a queer who grew up in the New York area, and came out there in 1979, I am loving hearing the history of how Pride got going in South Carolina. More power to you all. 🏳‍🌈💖

[Beryllahawk]

I live in Mississippi. I cannot even imagine how scary that must've been for her son. It's still scary, as others mentioned. But I'm glad to be able to say that my city has had a small but vibrant gay community for as long as I've lived here (mid-90s), and it's finally starting to grow, to get recognized and accepted by more of the old folks. I've got to go and find out how I can help them out with that.

[colestevenosky]

Harriet is such a beautiful human being. I wish my mother would have taken my coming out so well. The grace and love this woman has brings tears to my eyes

[justpassingthrough]

Seeing people stand up for the marginalised really fills my heart with warmth and joy. The world needs people like Harriet!

[kojo]

❤🎉Greetings 🙏 💖 from Raleigh, North Carolina 🙏 😀 🎉❤

[turdl]

Man I wish every queer person had a mom like that!

[aehplum]

Thank you for making a video about Southern LGBTQIA+ pride history and please make more! There is not enough out there about Gay Pride in the South.

[billzero]

The fight for equality must continue we can not take the few rights we have for granted Thanks for sharing and happy Pride ❤

[letolethe]

Great information about some very inspiring people and a reminder of how vulnerable we still are.

[Ickykanicky]

I support all people LGBTQ included. We are all beautiful individuals and all human and it is our duty to try and be understanding in order to move forward and make positive changes! I always thought of calling people by name and if someone wants to expose or tell me something personal I will take steps to be respectful from then on because HUMANITY! Anyways, love you all and wish everyone well and the best always!!

[lilacforest]

Beautiful story! I’m so glad she is still with us

[sydneystewart]

Yes, Mrs. Hancock! Thank you for your work from a proud South Carolinian. 💛

[geeksdotbetter]

I didn't know this wonderful story. Thank you!!!

[jul.escobar]

Fantastic energy and info in this video. Thank you!

[ingobernoble]

I've never claimed to be particularly knowledgeable of the LGBT+ communities culture or what they go through. But I've never understood why anyone else gives a damn what gender an individual loves or if the way they present themselves matches their birth certificate. I always say to bigots "i thought this was a free country?" It may be the last day of the month but it still counts, Happy pride month!!

[coorainbow]

This is so great! Thank you for making it!