Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Blevins
Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In January 2021 I posted a video on TikTok offering to be a stand in dad for LGBTQ+ couples whose parents wouldn’t attend their wedding.
The response to that video led to the creation of the Stand In Pride group on Facebook.
Since then we have added 5 regional groups for the US and another 20 groups internationally.
Stand In Pride has become a community, a safe space for queer folks to find chosen family around the world.
We’ve recently become a non profit and have a new app launching this summer!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not smooth at all! I had no idea what I was doing. Still don’t. lol.
The support has been amazing though. Ive been blessed with some amazing volunteers to help moderate all the groups.
The biggest struggle has been accommodating folks who don’t use Facebook. Our new app will be the solution to that problem. This summer Stand In Pride will be accessible to everyone who needs or wants to offer support.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My day job for the last 25 years has been stylist/ salon owner. I’m a proud graduate of the Tennessee School of Beauty in Knoxville.
I’m a content creator/ influencer and LGBTQ+ advocate.
As well as founder and CEO of Stand In Pride.
I wear many hats!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For me it’s been luck.
Stand In Pride came about purely by accident.
Our success is based solely on the fact that our organization has filled a need for the queer community. It would not have been possible without the love and support of our volunteers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://StandInPride.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_zombie_dan?igsh=MTAzbnpobzJudzJodg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.blevins.739?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_zombie_dan?_t=8mXe3ReU9TG&_r=1
