Desmond the Amazing: A Call to Empower LGBTQ Youth

Desmond Is Amazing was the first drag queen that I ever knew by name. I first saw a documentary about him over a year ago, and it sparked a profound curiosity about the world of drag performances and their increasing visibility. At the time, I had never been to a drag show, but I thought they looked like a lot of fun. Admittedly, I wasn't sure how I felt initially. Seeing a young individual with such an extraordinary talent and using art to bring awareness to other LGBTQ kids was indeed unusual. This was a kid doing something that was considered adult or taboo by many, which made his bravery even more notable. The more I learned about him, the more impressed I became by his enlightening self-acceptance and the unwavering support from his parents.

Desmond’s Impact on LGBTQ Youth

Desmond’s message of ‘Be yourself always’ resonates deeply within the LGBTQ community and society as a whole. His journey is a beacon of hope for young individuals who may feel marginalized or unsupported. Many LGBTQ youth often face bullying, discrimination, and rejection from their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Desmond’s advocacy for self-acceptance and his parents' unyielding support provide a powerful narrative that encourages victims to stand up against injustice and be true to themselves.

Resilience and Activism

Desmond is an example of resilience and activism. His ability to transform himself through makeup and fashion, and his commitment to using his platform to empower marginalized groups, highlight the importance of representation in art and media. He has become a role model for many young LGBTQ individuals who often struggle with the challenge of being themselves in a world that can be harsh and judgmental. His journey is a testament to the power of art in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.

Personal Perspective on LGBTQ Rights

I used to live in the Polk Gulch neighborhood in San Francisco, which was a hub for LGBTQ activity years before Castro Street became the center of the scene. These two neighborhoods could not be more different. While Castro Street is now the epitome of LGBTQ culture, Polk Street was once the heart of the community. Polk Street runs from Market Street up through Russian Hill and then down to the wharf, weaving through some of San Francisco’s roughest areas, including the Tenderloin, which is often referred to as ‘skid row.’

The Tenderloin was notorious for its street kids during the eighties. Many were high school age, and some were even younger, often panhandling aggressively on the sidewalks. Larkin Street Youth Center, a private charity, served as a respite for these kids, but the blood-curdling truth is that many of these children were ‘throw-aways’—LGBTQ kids who were disowned by their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these families were solid, church-going households that were more concerned with traditional values.

The Devastating Consequences

This phenomenon of LGBTQ youth being disowned and forced into the streets was not limited to San Francisco. In other cities like Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, similar stories are often told. These children were left to their own devices with the hope that they would eventually find their way out. However, many did not, and the statistics show that a significant number of these children lived tragically short lives, often due to the harsh realities of street life.

Family Values and Hate Culture

This situation highlights the destructive nature of the so-called ‘Family Values culture warriors.’ Their hatred and contempt for homosexuality can lead to the complete devastation of families and their members. If these individuals truly cared about the well-being of children, they would be out on the street or involved in issues like immigrant detention centers. The hypocrisy of this stance is staggering.

Empowering Desmond and Promoting Growth

The answer to the situation described above is simple but profound: letting your child be themselves is a powerfully positive message. Too many children are not allowed this freedom, and as a result, some may experience lonely and painful deaths. Desmond’s story serves as a reminder of the crucial role that supportive and accepting environments play in the lives of LGBTQ youth. By supporting and empowering our children, we can collectively contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society.