Note On Round Rock Doorstep Resonates Powerfully Amid Pride Month

ROUND ROCK, TX — It was a simple note born of a simple gesture, yet it's resonated widely. A Round Rock couple this week received a handwritten post from a departing neighbor alerting them of the powerful personal impact in seeing a rainbow flag flying outside their door.

"We're moving away today, but I wanted to thank you," the note to Meghan Stabler and Sal Stow began. "Seeing a pride flag was so proudly outside your house every day have given me the courage to come out to my family and be more comfortable with who I am."

The couple posted a photo of the note on Facebook, saying it was left on their doorstep held down by a pebble. The couple covered the person's name to ensure privacy. To illustrate the sentiment, the unidentified writer drew a picture of a person holding both a red, white and blue flag representing patriotism alongside the rainbow flag telegraphing gay pride.

The touching note came amid LGBT Pride Month observed in June to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village that ushered in gay liberation and galvanized the cause of gay rights. The note also came on the same week county commissioners voted unanimously against displaying gay pride flags outside county-owned buildings, declining a request by Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace KT Musselman — one of the first openly gay judges in staunchly conservative Williamson County — in the process.

Related story: WilCo Nixes Plans To Fly Gay Pride, POW/MIA Flags

In voting down the idea of raising gay pride flags, commissioners suggested the allowance would open the flag floodgates — potentially leaving them powerless to deny untold numbers and varieties of banners. A similar request to fly flags honoring POW/MIA military service members — that just happened to concurrently arrive at commissioners' desks — was rejected on the same day after all.

Whatever the reason, LGBTQ community members were dispirited by the government action. But while expressions of support won't be unfurled outside Williamson County government buildings, the private show of solidarity resonated powerfully with one member of the community — and untold others given the viral status the Facebook-posted note has achieved. At last check, the post has generated some 2,300 positive reactions, 1,100 shares and some 200 messages of support on a comments thread.

"This is why visibility is SO important," Stow wrote. "You never know who needs the support and to know it’s ok. I hope this person is ok, their family is being supportive and they find a community to connect with that can help them through this brave process."