He has filled the West Sound vacuum of gay-lesbian activities by organizing Gay County. One of Kitsap County's first public organizations for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered people and their straight friends and family, the nonprofit group attracts more than 100 to its monthly Friday Feasts and Queer Bingo. For this disenfranchised group, there is oppression and isolation and the normal fear of what the coming out process might bring. Parsons guards the location of his home, office and Gay County activities because he has experienced harassment. But he doesn't hide being gay.
Local reactions vary from bias and ignorance to curiosity, support and friendship.
One example was the misunderstanding that arose when he introduced his partner to someone in downtown Port Orchard. He's my life companion.