LGBTQ Advocate To Stop In Arlington During Cross-Country Bike Ride

ARLINGTON, VA — LGBTQ advocate and ally Ray Franks is scheduled to stop in Arlington on Friday, June 12, as part of his second Trans America Ride, a cross-country bicycle trip raising money and awareness for LGBTQ youth.

A meet-and-greet with Franks will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. South, in Crystal City. The event will support Lambda Legal and The Trevor Project, the two nonprofits benefiting from the ride.

Franks began the ride May 22 in the Florida Keys and is scheduled to arrive in Maine on June 24, according to the event announcement.

On the Trans America Ride website, Franks said the fundraiser was inspired by personal connections, including his aunt and his children. Franks is the father of three children — one cisgender, one transgender and one nonbinary.

“While all three had challenges and triumphs, watching the extra struggles of being gender non-conforming has been eye-opening for me,” Franks said. “While, at times, I struggled with how to support them, I never struggled with loving them and wanting them to be happy.”

Franks said the ride is also intended to help spark conversations and show support for people “trying to live as who they are and love who they love.”

The Arlington event is open to community members, advocates and allies who want to meet Franks, learn more about the ride and contribute to Lambda Legal and The Trevor Project.

Event Details

What: Meet-and-Greet With Ray Franks
When: Friday, June 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Freddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. South, Arlington
Benefiting: Lambda Legal and The Trevor Project

More information about the ride and donation options is available at transamericaride.org.