A Friend of Dorothy: A Quiet Phrase That Said So Much

For decades, the phrase “a friend of Dorothy” carried a meaning that went far beyond casual conversation. It was a soft signal. A code. A way for members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, to find each other in a time when being open could be dangerous. Before visibility, before Pride parades, before legal protections, there was this shared language. Quiet, but powerful.

The reference points back to The Wizard of Oz and its heroine, Dorothy Gale. Played by Judy Garland, Dorothy’s journey of acceptance, love, and chosen family struck a deep chord. Her unwavering compassion and the idea of finding one’s people, no matter how unconventional, became a mirror for a community that often felt exiled from their own homes. Dorothy welcomed the strange, the brave, the different. In doing so, she became a symbol. And so, to say someone was “a friend of Dorothy” was to say they belonged.

At Spirit Jersey, we don’t take that legacy lightly. We know what it means to carry a message, especially one that once helped people feel less alone. And while the world has changed, the fight for dignity, joy, and the right to be seen continues. Pride is not just about celebration. It is about history. It is about holding space. It is about honoring the quiet courage that came before, and lifting up the voices that still need to be heard.

To everyone who has ever searched for home in someone else’s words, who has found family in chosen circles, or who has walked their path with quiet strength...
You’re seen.
You’re celebrated.
And yes, you’re absolutely A Friend of Dorothy.