Arguably the most important straight person in the battle for gay rights died last week

[dsc]

In 1972, Jeanne Manford walked in a gay rights parade holding a sign with a simple message, Parents of Gays Unite in Support of Our Children. It is hard to overstate just how much courage that walk took. Having a gay child in 1972 was as scandalous as having a thief or drug addict as a child. In 1972, gays couldn't become doctors, lawyers, or teachers in many places without lying about who they were. Mothers were often blamed for the moral failings of their children, which homosexuality was considered a chief moral failing. She later founded a group called P FLAG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. There is literally no gay rights group that is as universally loved by gays as P FLAG. They get the loudest cheers at Pride.

So many gays, and so many parents of gays, have read P FLAG literature, gone to P FLAG meetings, and learned to accept themselves and their children. Having a family behind us makes it much easier to live open and honest lives. P FLAG makes it possible for many to have their families behind them. It isn't overstating to say there are many gays who owe their families to Ms. Munford. Others owe their very lives. If there ever is an avenue of the righteous straights, she will have the biggest tree on the avenue. Ms. Munford buried her son, who died of AIDS, many years ago. Her work will live on and on.

[Fire Walk With Me]

1. K&R!

[murielm99]

2. I love PFLAG.

I never joined, but went to some meetings, and used the literature extensively.

My daughter is bi. She can live openly, thanks to the courage of Ms. Manford and a few others.

[libodem]

3. Ah, the p-flag mom

I love her. God rest her soul. My kind of, mama!!!

[Victor_c3]

7. I wouldn't worry about her soul

I'd imagine that she could rest well knowing that she helped to lay the foundation for much of the success I've seen in my lifetime for gay rights and acceptance in our society.

Obviously she was a great American and did untold good for countless of others and their families.

[Lithos]

4. She was a great individual

And a great role model, even beyond the realm of just gay rights.

L-

[WillyT]

5. K & R !!!

[grantcart]

6. Salt of the earth type of great American.

[TeeYiYi]

8. Big K and R to an important story that I missed the first time around...

PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford, pioneering ally for LGBT rights, dies at 92
Jeanne Manford started Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in 1972 after her son Morty was beaten during a Gay Activists Alliance demonstration. PFLAG’s national executive director Jody Huckaby remembers her as the “mother of the straight ally movement.



http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/pflag-founder-jeanne-manford-dies-fought-lgbt-rights-article-1.1236558

Thank You and Rest in Peace Ms. Manford.

TYY