a Rainbow Keychain: On Parenting, Pride, and Showing Up
Why I Create with Pride
A mom’s perspective on visibility, advocacy, and love
At Cozy Daisy Stitchery, every stitch is personal. And this collection—my Pride Collection—is no exception.
As a mom and former educator, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when a child feels free to be themselves. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen how quickly that freedom can be chipped away—by fear, by shame, or by silence. I can’t stay silent.
I have people in my life whom I love deeply who are LGBTQ+. Friends, family, former students. And I’ve seen what it means when someone recognizes a tiny rainbow pin or a soft, colorful keychain on someone’s backpack and suddenly feels a little less alone. These small things—these handmade, joyful, visible things—can become tiny beacons of safety.
That’s what this collection is about.
It’s more than colors or designs.
It’s about showing up and saying:
You’re not alone. You are safe here. You belong.
Why Activism Matters to Me as a Mom
As I lay in bed snuggling my eldest baby on her first sea voyage, with my little one napping in the stroller beside us, I’m thinking about the world I want to raise my children in. Inevitably, it’s one where empathy, kindness, courage, and authenticity are celebrated. I want my kids to grow up knowing that every person—no matter who they love or how they express themselves—is worthy of love and safety.
And that’s why this collection is also an act of activism.
15% of sales from every Pride Collection item are donated to the ACLU, a nonprofit that actively defends LGBTQ+ rights through legislation, legal action, and public advocacy. Because it’s not enough to say we believe in justice—we have to help fund the people fighting for it.
Visibility Is a Kind of Love
I create colorful things—magnets, keychains, fidget toys, plushies—because they’re joyful and useful. But when those things also help someone feel seen? That’s when they become something more.
A teacher hanging a rainbow plushie in their classroom.
A kid wearing a crochet heart on their backpack.
A mom using a subtle pin or rainbow keychain to connect with other parents in her community.
These are gentle ways of saying, “I see you. I support you.” And sometimes, that’s all someone needs to feel like they can take one more step forward as themselves.
I believe in the opportunity to be unapologetically yourself.
To be authentic.
A multifaceted person and not just an extra.
To celebrate life and love in all its beautiful forms.
Want to Support or Share?
If this speaks to you, please consider sharing the blog or exploring the Pride Collection.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or just someone who believes in raising kind kids—we’re in this together.
Thanks for being here. Thanks for believing in love.
With heart,
Stephanie
If You or Someone You Love Needs Support
You are never alone.
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
LGBT Foundation Helpline: 0345 3 30 30 30
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860