A strong start for Linden Family Pride with community support
It’s been a busy summer for Rodney Perkins and Linden Family Pride.
On June 10, 2026, Rodney found himself motivated after spending a day out and about in Linden. It was the middle of Pride Month, the annual observance of the LGBTQ+ community’s struggles and achievements first recognized by presidential proclamation in 1999. That day, he saw an opportunity to bring the Pride celebration to his hometown.
Rodney got to work, and four days later, a new organization called Linden Family Pride debuted on Facebook. A posted invitation to a June 28 launch party included a call to “bring your flags or whatever you have!”
Momentum built quickly. The launch party was a success, with support from the Fenton Pride Collective’s president and board of directors. Linden Family Pride organizers then hosted a dinner and kayak event with Shiawassee River Shuttle in August, board members began signing on, and local businesses added their names to a growing list of supporters.
“I just put my feet to the ground, and I was totally blown away. We now have 19 local businesses on board showing support. Not one of them dragged their feet.”
Now spelled out on the organization’s website, Linden Family Pride’s mission is “to build an inclusive community where LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies feel welcomed, supported, and empowered through education, celebration, and connection.” Rodney sees resource connections as an important part of the effort, and several community organizations have stepped up as partners.
So far, resource connections include Abigail’s Closet, which provides free clothing, shoes, and winter coats (seasonally); Balance Life Counseling, with therapists who support the LGBTQ+ community; and Pastor Dawn Russel at Linden Presbyterian Church for spiritual support.
There are also plenty of events already scheduled through next year.
The Dam Project Community Cleanup + Dolly Day on Sept. 25, 2026 will gather community members to clean up the area around the Argentine Dam. Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Christmas in the Pines on Dec. 12, 2026 will offer photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and collect wrapped gifts for children ages newborn to 18. Dinner tickets are $40 for adults, free for children.
Linden’s first Pride festival on May 29, 2027 will be held at the Mill Pond Gazebo.
With the community’s support, Linden Family Pride has built a strong foundation in just a few months. From building partnerships and planning fundraisers to assembling a board to formalize Linden Family Pride as a nonprofit organization, Rodney won’t be slowing down any time soon.
He says, “In the end, I want to get this platform up and running and just sit back and watch all the fun. That is my ultimate goal. But until I get the resources in place, the financing, the nonprofit…this is every day.”