PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford died in her Calif. home at the age of 92.

[miaedu]

PFLAG Founder Jeanne Manford Dies at 92


After her son was beaten during a gay rights protest in 1972, Jeanne Manford spoke out: "I have a homosexual son, and I love him."

Jeanne Manford, the founder of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, died today in her Daly City, Calif., home. She was 92.

Manford had been experiencing declining health for some time, according to her daughter, Suzanne Swan.

PFLAG's executive director, Jody M. Huckaby, said the world had lost a pioneer with Manford's death.

"Jeanne was one of the fiercest fighters in the battle for acceptance and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people," Huckaby said. "It is truly humbling to imagine in 1972 — just 40 years ago — a simple schoolteacher started this movement of family and ally support, without benefit of any of the technology that today makes a grassroots movement so easy to organize. No Internet. No cell phones. Just a deep love for her son and a sign reading 'Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children.'"

One of Manford's sons, the late Morty Manford, was gay. He was beaten during a Gay Activists Alliance demonstration in April 1972, and police failed to intervene. She wrote a letter to the New York Post, published April 29, 1972, in which she stated, "I have a homosexual son, and I love him." Her letter sparked a groundswell of response, and less than two months later, she joined her son at the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade. Her participation and the affirmations she received from others eventually led to the beginning of PFLAG.

The first meeting, with 20 people, was at a Metropolitan Community Church on March 11, 1973. PFLAG now has 350 official chapters across the U.S. and 200,000 members.

In addition to her daughter, Manford is survived by her son-in-law, Richard Swan, her granddaughter, Avril Swan, and Avril's husband, Stuart Streepy, and her great-granddaughters, Clara, Grace, and Jules. Manford and her late husband, Jules, also had two sons: Charles, who died in 1966, and Morty, who died in 1992.

"She is known to thousands of people as the mother of the straight ally movement," Suzanne Swan said, "but to me, she was my mother."

http://www.advocate.com/society/acti...anford-dies-92

[menRsexii]

aww sorry to hear this. at least she lived a long life. rest in peace, angel

[umjreon88]

An inspiration to all. A role model for all parents!

[gsdx]

An amazing woman and groundbreaker. The world needs more parents like her. Her work is done. She can rest peacefully now.

[ravenstar]

To think of the sheer amount of lives she changed. Such an inspiration. Vale Mrs Manford, and thank you.

[CupidBoy]

A hero. R.I.P.

[star-warrior]

It took a mom to speak out and show that parents of gay and lesbians need to educate and show others love, decency and respect for all. RIP Jeanne Manford.

[eastofeden]

She is an example of a real hero. My condolences to her family. RIP Jeanne..and Thank You!

[medic1]

What a sad Thread , this woman sounded so magnificent in so many ways may she RIP .

[chrisrobin]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nati...sEnabled=false

Thanks, Ms. Manford for all your work on behalf of the GLBT community over the years. You were courageous in your fight for our equality. RIP.

[Huntneo(PT)]

If only all LGBT mothers (or parents, rather) were like Ms. Manford. She has no doubt saved the lives and relationships of many gay youth (and adults) and their families. She left her mark, and will be remembered.

RIP.

[RaKroma]

Rest In Peace

Thank you for being a trailblazer and helping us. PFLAG continues to be a very crucial organization that helps create dialogue and support for LGBTs.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

..........

[G-Lexington]

Is there a more moving tribute than compelling SS into coherence? Thanks for everything, ma'am.

Lex

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

Is there a more moving tribute than compelling SS into coherence? Thanks for everything, ma'am.

Lex

long road a go

mor souls world a free of da cultures stick it ta um

da betta
_YEEA_