For Helen Lawson, Pride has taken on many meanings over the years. For more than three decades, Pride meant sharing life with Wallace Greene — their partner of 31 years. The two met in a grocery store in 1992 with a simple nod before Helen made the first move. Together, they built a life filled with love, companionship, and community, even participating in Pride parades over the years.

Then, in 2024, Wallace passed away. The grief was profound. “Because of the prolonged grief, I became somewhat of a recluse,” Helen shared. “I felt very disconnected from Pride.”

But through that grief, Helen also experienced a new understanding of themself. “In my grieving, I came out as non-binary, which was very liberating.”

Today, Helen identifies as non-binary and uses he/they pronouns, though they still go by Helen. And while Pride looks different now, its meaning has only deepened.

“My partner of 31 years was my Pride.”

Through some of the darkest moments of loss, Helen found comfort in the presence of Shanti volunteers — especially Danny, a Peer Support Volunteer who has become a steady source of companionship and care.

“I don’t know if I could have made it without them,” Helen said. “The volunteers always meet me where I am.”

Danny has stood beside Helen through layers of grief, including the loss of Bright Eyes, the cat Helen and Wallace shared together for 12 years. When the difficult day came to say goodbye, Danny stayed with Helen at the vet’s office and read aloud from The Goodbye Book, a story about love, loss, and the reminder that no one has to face grief alone.

Their connection continued to grow through simple acts of presence — talking, helping around the apartment, seeing Christmas lights together, and sharing moments that brought Helen back into the world again.

One of the most meaningful moments came when Danny invited Helen to see a play that Wallace had once taken them to years before. At the time, Helen had been under the influence and always regretted not fully experiencing it. After Wallace’s passing, the same play returned to town, and Danny suggested they go together.

“That experience was profound,” Helen shared. “I was grateful to have a second chance.”

For Helen, the evening became more than seeing a performance. It became a moment of healing, remembrance, and connection. “I felt deeply connected to Wallace. I wish I got to experience it with Wallace — but I’m grateful I got to share it with Danny.”

Helen says their relationship has transformed the way they view connection and community. Describing Danny as empathetic and generous-hearted, Helen shared that their friendship has given them a much greater appreciation for straight men. Today, the two spend time together weekly — talking, laughing, and simply sharing life. Through Shanti’s LGBTQ+ Aging and Abilities Support Network (LAASN), Helen found not only support through grief, but renewed connection, companionship, and moments of joy again.

“Shanti adds life,” Helen said. “Shanti provides life in situations that are very dark — but also moments that are light, that are fun, and that are carefree.”

For Helen, Pride today is quieter, more personal, and deeply rooted in connection — honoring love, embracing identity, and finding community in the people who stay beside you through life’s hardest moments.