Jamie’s story

Also known as The Flower Daddy

Gender: he/him

From: Parkersburg, West Virginia, and raised across the river in Belpre, Ohio

Cultural background: Appalachian roots, LGBTQ+ community member

I have always known I would have to fight for a seat at the table. Growing up in a small town, I understood early on that being different came with challenges, especially when it came to gender identity and expression.  I spent much of my early life navigating the complexities of being queer in a more conservative community, but over time, I learned that these differences are also my strengths. My journey has been one of resilience, love, and giving back to the communities that shaped me.

I spent several years in Hollywood as a florist for high-profile clients, but ultimately, I returned to my roots, where I founded the brick and mortar of The Flower Daddy in the Mid-Ohio Valley. This transition has been meaningful for me because it combines my love for flowers with my desire to uplift my hometown. My work now intertwines floristry with activism, as I create spaces of celebration, reflection, and support—whether it’s designing a wedding bouquet or organizing a Pride event.

As the president of Parkersburg Pride, I’m dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all LGBTQ+ individuals in our area, while also serving as an advocate for our rights. This work feels personal because I know what it’s like to struggle for acceptance and to fight for dignity. Whether through The Flower Daddy or Parkersburg Pride, I aim to ensure that everyone, especially the next generation, feels empowered to live their truth.

Being involved in groups like Parkersburg Pride, Belpre Rotary and local schools allows me to merge my community activism with civic engagement, always striving to make my corner of the world a kinder, more inclusive place. Each part of me informs the other, and together, they fuel my drive to build spaces where everyone can thrive, just as they are.

PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTE:  In recent years, HRC’s Municipal Equality Index has ranked Jamie’s home with abysmally low scores; on paper this indicates Parkersburg is one of Appalachia’s least LGBTQ friendly small cities in terms of policies.  So, this is admittedly one of the reasons I added Parkersburg, West Virginia to my Appalachian road trip – I love learning about the vibe of communities in real life outside of a score.  

In his community, Jamie does more than arrange flowers. He cultivates hope. Like any seasoned florist, he knows beauty doesn’t just happen—it’s created with care, patience, and vision. In the same way he transforms petals and stems into something breathtaking, he’s reshaping his community from the inside out.  In a town where policies may fall short of inclusion, Jamie becomes the embodiment of kindness. He brings color and courage to the gray areas, proving that even in places labeled unwelcoming, something beautiful can—and does—grow.

Photographs taken October 2024