Sara was generous enough to lend me her car to make the drive through the hills and delta to reach Locke, CA. Once you break through the traffic, the drive is winding and pleasant. I arrived in Locke to attend the weekly meeting of the Locke Foundation, a dedicated group of residents from Locke and Sacramento who keep the community and its history alive through tourism, awareness, and due diligence. I presented myself and told them about One Struggle One Fight’s mission and vision for the march. They were receptive and excited at the prospects of becoming the Gayest Town in America if only for an evening. After addressing a few questions about our stay, the meeting adjourned.

Debbie and Russell, two co-habiting residents of Locke, invited me back to their home, a building Russell originally purchased for $50 dollars back in the 70s but has since improved with his carpentry. Debbie set out some food and Russell started a fire in their woodstove. Another resident of Locke, Stuart, whom I’d met on a previous visit to Locke, came by and we sat around, talked San Francisco and California, Locke, old music, and all the ways small communities used to come together in the pre-digital era. I had only just met these people, and here I was, very much at home in their company. Over and over again they said how much they were looking forward to One Struggle One Fight’s visit, and I share that excitement.

Before I left for the Bay, Russell gave me a tour through the old Baptist church they offered to open up to us. The lawn, though lumpy, was freshly mown and sat in the quietest and quaintest of towns. The mainroom of the church had been cleaned with some beds, mattress, and couches set out. I asked about a somewhat conspicuous centerpiece of the room and was informed that it was 2000 year old wooden Buddha brought to Locke at some point. I smiled. “This will be great,” I said. “You think so?” Russell asked. “We’re really looking forward to your visit and want to make sure you’re comfortable.” We’ll be comfortable. And more than that, we’ll be welcome.