(or is it her son Ben's story?)

“Our story began on August 15, 1991, the day after my husband and I celebrated our 31st anniversary.  As we kissed goodnight, I remember noting how easy and trouble-free our life had been:  our daughter, Dana, had finished her education, married and had a good job.  Our son, Ben, was in his second year of divinity school.  Neither of them had given us any problems.  The very next day Dana came to tell us that she was getting divorced and asked for our support.  During the conversation, we learned that Ben was coming home to tell us he was gay.  In the previous months, both my children had been support for each other.  This is the part of the story that makes me so happy as a mother.

Dana went on to make sure that we understood that Ben could never change, that it was not a choice for him, that he had never planned to admit it but could no longer live with the lie.  She also came to the part that made me cry:  she told me that Ben was driving around town in his car waiting for her pre-arranged signal:

1.  If her car was still there, it meant that we are still talking and he is supposed to keep riding around.
2.  If her car was gone, it meant that she told us and we were not accepting – leave and go home.
3.  But, if she had told us and we were accepting, she should put the light on in his old bedroom window.

My heart nearly broke.  We immediately jumped up and turned every light in the house on, from the porch lights in the front, the attic and even every closet light.  When our son drove into the driveway the house was a beacon to him that our love was unconditional and that we would always be there for him.  It was a magic moment for all of us.”
 

What’s Happened in Glenda’s Life Since That Night?

In 1992, Glenda joined her local PFLAG chapter.

In 1994, Glenda served as the president of the Henderson, Kentucky/Evansville, Indiana PFLAG chapter.

In 1995, Glenda served as the regional director of the PFLAG South Atlantic Region.  Glenda also ran a highly successful Project Open Mind campaign [a PFLAG National program] in Henderson.

In 1999, Glenda was instrumental in a campaign to pass a Fairness Ordinance in Henderson that will prohibit discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations for gay, lesbian and bisexual people.  Glenda is also an organizer of the national Peace with Justice conference that is co-sponsored by her PFLAG chapter, and is a representative of her chapter’s speakers’ bureau.

Why Glenda Feels PFLAG Is Important

“If we want peace on earth, we must work for justice.  Our GLBT family members and friends are often left out of the justice system.  Gay people need straight allies and PFLAG is the most effective ally they have.  As a mother of a gay son, I feel that PFLAG can help parents accept their gay children.  But it doesn’t stop there.  We must celebrate the gift of having a gay child.  When I realize the lessons I have learned, the wonderful people I have met, the purpose that PFLAG has given to my life, I would not trade the joy for anything.”

Reprinted with permission from PFLAG National and the Guess family.

Footnote:  Glenda and Ben's story is told in more detail in Chasity Bono's (daughter of Sonny Bono and Cher) new book "Family Outing."  Be sure to check it out!!