Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in Williamson County w/ Robert McNamara :: Ep 16 Blue Lift Podcast

Title: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in Williamson CountyEpisode 16- Robert McNamaraPeggy sits down with Robert McNamara, a military veteran and former General Motors employee.He shares his background growing up in a large family of 17 children in Michigan, and his personal journey of coming to terms with his sexuality. He discusses his military service and move to Middle Tennessee, where he became involved in local activism and the founding of Franklin Pride, a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual LGBTQ+ pride festival in Williamson County. Despite initial success with 4,000 attendees at the first Pride festival in 2021, the event faced backlash, particularly over drag performances. The conversation explores the growth and success of the Franklin Pride festival, as well as the political backlash and controversies the organization faced from local officials and community members opposed to LGBTQ+ visibility. Despite challenges, Franklin Pride continues to grow, with plans for a fifth anniversary event on June 7, 2024. Robert emphasizes the need for allies to support the community through attendance and advocacy.Highlights:Robert McNamara's Background and Family (0:01)Robert's Personal Journey and Military Service (7:24)Activism and Move to Middle Tennessee (13:57)Challenges and Growth of Franklin Pride (25:40)Controversies and Political Backlash (44:57)Franklin Pride News and Newsletter: franklinpridetn.orgJoin the Blue movement at www.blueliftpodcast.comAbout Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents. Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co