DENVER — Feelings of isolation and abandonment can be all the more painful during the holidays, especially for LGBTQ+ kids who feel rejected by their families.
"It's very important to me that these children will, even if they're put out of their home, will have a place to go and people that will care for them," said 80-year-old Linda Warren.
It's why Warren put on her red cap 25 years ago to become Queer Santa.
Each year with The Center on Colfax and volunteers, she brings gifts, cheer, and acceptance to children who haven't always felt loved for who they are.
"It was very moving for me and I have to admit in the beginning I did a lot of crying," said Warren. "I would have to hold it together when I was talking to the children, but when I was not, I was like, this is awful. I can never let this happen to any child."
It started as a request from a friend volunteering at The Center's youth program, Rainbow Alley. They needed some last-minute help.
"She asked me, would I please get a present to take to a child that wasn't going to get a present," said Warren.
It's a feeling that brings Linda back to her own childhood in Mississippi.
"I was not accepted by my family but I was grown when they found out, but they still put me out," said Warren. "My father did not want me to come into his home or anything."
Her first duty as Queer Santa was fulfilled, as she turned her own personal pain into something good.
"I had a meeting and I said, 'I will tell you, so this never happens again, that someone drops the ball, I will do this every year,'" said Warren. "I want a list of these children and what they want."
Her list of kids has grown each year.
"I'm hoping that I have a very good person that's gonna take my place when I'm no longer here to do it," said Warren.
Now, she's making sure Queer Santa will always be there for any child who needs her.
"It's been a big long haul and I've met a lot of very interesting kids and we've had a lot of laughs together, so it's a good thing," said Warren. "I love it."
Anyone who'd like to help with Queer Santa's gift list for next year can donate to Rainbow Alley at The Center on Colfax.
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