Strength is...
An Action
Tiffany Shirley, as a volunteer, plays a role in one of Lancaster County’s biggest events. Lancaster Pride, in fact, has become so big that Shirley has a problem on her hands.
“My number one goal right now is trying to find a new place to hold Pride, because this year we sold out our festival and had to turn people away,” Shirley says. “And we’re not just doing this to plan a party, but to give people a safe spot to be.”
Last June, between 4,000 and 5,000 people gathered at Clipper Magazine Stadium for the nonprofit’s signature Lancaster Pride event. And as Pride’s Director of Events, Shirley says it was an incredible sight.
“Seeing the whole concourse full, the entire grass area full of vendors, everyone smiling and laughing, enjoying the performers, the influx of rainbows and trans flags, all types of flags of inclusivity—I didn’t see a sad person in the stadium besides my blubbering face,” Shirley says. “Everybody was just loving each other.”
Shirley, 33, of Manheim, has volunteered with Lancaster Pride the past year and a half—and she’s transitioning into the board president role. But she manages many additional roles, including her job as a dental assistant.
“I enjoy the smiles I see on patients’ faces,” Shirley says. “Some have severe phobia, but I like to make sure our patients are comfortable and happy—it’s one of the joys I take out of this job.”
Shirley, a Lancaster County native, launched her career by serving in the Navy—an experience she “loved.” Today, Shirley and her husband of 14 years have two daughters, ages 12 and 14—and it’s her family who inspired her to volunteer with Lancaster Pride.
“My oldest daughter is gender fluid, and she was trying to find her place in society, so I decided to reach out to Pride and see how I could help improve the community for everyone, including my daughter,” Shirley recalls. “Lancaster County is evolving as a great community—I love being part of Lancaster.”
But she’s had to overcome several major challenges, including cancer. Shirley was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early 2021.
“My career, my family, Pride—all motivated me to keep moving. I couldn’t dwell on the situation because I knew it wouldn’t be good for my mental health,” Shirley explains. “I definitely had a journey, but I had a reason to kick its butt.”
Just a few months ago, Shirley went into remission. But she has one regret: that her mother didn’t live to see her be cancer-free. Still, Shirley’s life challenges formed her strength of character.
“I think strength is an action,” says Shirley, “Knowing you’re strong enough to overcome challenges, realizing you’re capable of whatever you set your mind to. Strength is fighting cancer, providing for my family, strength is the action of doing and fulfilling things.”
For more information, see lancpride.com.
