Have you ever worried when a family member or friend is headed to a public function? Especially over the last few years? It can be scary. Especially if they are children!

There are many kids who do not identify with the gender they were declared at birth, and many more who support them. The number of people and minors who are “coming out” is increasing significantly every year. And the number of cases of people who are living a much happier life of self acceptance is increasing every year! Coincidence? I think NOT!

It is estimated that over half of gender non-conforming people have attempted (or succeeded) suicide at least once in their lifetime before transitioning. The majority of the ones who have transitioned are proven to be living a much happier and more engaging life.

There are events all over the world to recognize these warriors who would much rather face what society is going to throw at them for nothing more than being themselves than live even one more day pretending to be someone else. Events are often set, usually by various LGBTQ+ organizations that provide a place for these lil humans to be THEMSELVES. Outside of the hate, judgement and ostracization that many times society provides.

But there are many people who do not understand what these kids have already endured to get to this point. There are many people who think they need to suffer. There are picketers at many LGBTQ events who mean to cause emotional and even physical suffering to CHILDREN! They yell, curse, throw things at them and provide signs that demean and degrade their very existence.

In walks a veteran close combat instructor in the Marine Corps; Eli Bazan. Eli is not tolerant of hate or mistreating others, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN! Bazan was joined by Pasha Ripley to form The Parasol Patrol to shield these warriors from the anger, hate and bigotry exhibited by said protestors.

The action: they utilize RAINBOW colored umbrellas to shield these minor performers into drag shows and other LGBTQ+ events, headphones to silence the hateful speech and sometimes bands and singing to set the mood in the proper way!

The kids who are subject to this abuse deserve so much. They are and should be held as an inspiration to all of us! The strength they show every single day to emerge from their shell is an example of how each and every one of us should be. True to ourselves and true to those around us.

We are all capable of love and compassion, and to see so much of it in all of these children is amazing. But to see them treated this way by haters is NOT OK!

Thank you Eli and Pasha and to EVERY SINGLE VOLUNTEER OF THE PARASOL PATROL!

❤❤❤❤To read more about Parasol Patrol, Eli Bazan and Pasha Ripley and for contact information please go to Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth – Parasol Patrol They are accepting volunteers in many areas and growing so please reach out; MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE ONES WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!❤❤❤❤

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF YELLOW SCENE MAGAZINE