Dana O’Brien is a Democrat, public affairs consultant, Ogunquit resident and member of Maine’s LGBTQ community.

Earlier this month, I attended the Pride flag raising in Ogunquit and marched in the Pride parade. As I stood in the crowd, I found myself thinking about how different my life looks today than it did growing up.

I grew up in rural Missouri in the 1980s and ’90s. Back then, being openly gay was not something many people talked about. Words like “fag” were common. “Gay” was often used as an insult. You learned quickly that being different could make you a target.

I spent way too much time trying not to stand out. A lot of LGBTQ people from small towns know exactly what that feels like. You learn to read a room. You learn when to stay quiet. You learn when it is safer not to be yourself.

Many LGBTQ people carry those memories with them. I know I do. That is one reason Pride matters so very much. The Pride flag sends a simple message. You belong here.

I feel that message in Ogunquit. In fact, I feel it across much of Maine. I feel fortunate to
live in a place where I can be myself without apology. That feeling is not something I take for granted. Not everyone gets to experience it. And not everyone grows up expecting it.

But that sense of welcome in Maine did not happen by accident. Many people fought for it. Families fought for it. Advocates fought for it. And elected leaders helped turn advocacy into law.

As a gay Democrat, I have disagreed with Sen. Susan Collins over the years. I expect I
will again. And that’s OK. But when it comes to LGBTQ rights, her record deserves recognition. She supported workplace protections for LGBTQ Americans. She authored the legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” She supported federal hate crimes legislation. She was among the first Republican senators to publicly support marriage equality.

More recently, she was a lead Republican sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden. This law protects federal recognition of same-sex marriage and provides important legal protections for married couples like me. None of those positions were politically easy at the time. She took them anyway.

I appreciate Pride flags and fun Pride celebrations. I sincerely value supportive words
from allies. But what matters most to me are the laws and legal protections that allow people like me to live openly, safely and authentically.

The Maine I love did not happen by accident. People built it. Susan Collins helped a lot.
That is worth remembering this Pride Month.