My daughter came out to me in March 1996 at age 21.  I was not surprised she was gay, I had suspected for years.  My gay brother encouraged me to attend PFLAG.  My daughter being gay did not change my love and acceptance of her.  My personal struggles were for her safety, well-being and acceptance by others.  My first PFLAG meeting was the same month that she came out to me.  PFLAG taught me to modify my vision of her life.  I adapted my expectations for her life, realized she was exactly the same person she was before and began to educate myself.

My husband, daughter and I marched in our first parade at the Gay Pride Weekend that same year.  It was very empowering.  I came to realize that my beautiful daughter did not choose to be gay, she was born that way.

PFLAG has come to mean to me:  awareness of LGBTQ issues, education, friendships, new “sons and daughters” and EQUAL Rights that my heterosexual daughter enjoys.  She deserves dignity and equality without being persecuted.

My life today has been deeply enriched by PFLAG and all the LGBTQ people I have met.  I’ve learned that everything that has and will happen to me provides opportunities for learning and growth.  I am so thankful to be a part of a very accepting and loving community.  I plan to spend the rest of my life working for equality through PFLAG with my family of choice.

Deanne Mogon

PFLAG-WS member