WANTED: Your Story!

Got an interesting story to tell?  Will it help others to understand?  Does it cover “new ground” not covered below?  (We’ll be happy to help you determine the answer to that last one.)

Email us and give us a brief description (i.e., the major highlights) of your story and/or ask us what we’re looking for.  Let’s help others together by sharing our stories!

(Sorry, due to space limitations imposed by our Internet service provider, we must be selective and may not be able to publish all stories submitted.  Please inquire before writing your story!)

Personal Stories (arranged in alphabetical order)

Most of the stories below were written by our own PFLAG Phoenix members.  Other stories (from various sources as denoted) which touch on important topics are also included for your benefit.

 

Bud's Story What do you do when your best friend "comes out" to you?  Some people freak.  Bud did . . . initially.  But, instead of shunning his friend, Bud chose to reexamine why he felt the way he did and where he had learned so much misinformation that certainly didn't apply to his friend.  That process of self-examination had a profound effect on Bud.  See how, here! Also, don't miss this this important message from 11-year-old Amanda (Bud's daughter)   Daniel's Story A gay man's letter to his mother in which he respectfully and articulately challenges her to again examine her conservative religious beliefs on homosexuality with the hope that she may continue to grow in her understanding and acceptance of her son.  At the time the letter was written, Daniel had been " out" to his parents for over 13 years.   Kathy’s Story A mother discovers that her teenage son, Mark,  is gay.  From the St. Petersburg Times’ series called “Love Stories”, Kathy’s story features a PFLAG family and their support of their gay teen son.  It is well written, and it’s quite impressive that this family’s story is included in the newspaper’s series on love stories.   Marilyn's Story A mother and father, upon learning that their son is "transgendered" and is about to go through with "the operation", thanks PFLAG Phoenix for all the support and education they've received.   Mike’s Story A gay man’s “coming out” letter to his mother . . . including a step-by-step examination and explanation of how he struggled against his sexual orientation for many years . . . and what’s happened since!   Renee & Lori's Story One couple's incredible journey to start a family of their own...and how their dreams, their hopes and their joy was more than "doubled"!   "Seething Mom's" Story This mother, known to us only as "Seething Mom", contacted us in 2006.  She wanted to share her ongoing story, and her gay son's story, with other parents to show them that there is hope in this journey that all parents must begin when their child "comes out" to them.  She has created an amazing blog that truly speaks from the heart!   Tinky's Story Poor sweet, innocent Tinky was "outed" to his friends and family by an over-zealous crackpot named Jerry.  However, Tinky held his head (and his purse) high and was redeemed in the end when it was revealed that Tinky wasn't actually gay . . . according to Jerry, he just "dresses that way."

Charley's Story Imagine for a moment what it would be like to struggle with your sexuality when you are an older adult, let's say your mid-30's.  Okay, now imagine that you are also in the ministry when you figure it all out.  Ouch!  Okay, to really spice things up, let's also imagine that you're currently serving as the official chaplain to the Arizona State Legislature, not exactly your most open-minded group of people.  That would make some story, huh?  Well, meet Reverend Charles "Charley" Coppinger.  It's his story!   Emma’s Story A wife discovers that her husband of 24 years is gay and must decide what to do about her marriage, her children and her self.   Glenda’s Story (or is it her son Ben’s story?) A MUST READ!!!  This is the story of the night Ben's mother, Glenda, learned that her son was gay . . . and a most special magical moment that resulted!  It's ABSOLUTELY the SWEETEST (and MOST HEARTFELT) story you’ll ever read!!!  If only every story could be like this one . . . . Glenda's story comes to us from the Henderson, Kentucky/ Evansville, Indiana PFLAG chapter.   Katy’s Story A teenager discovers that her father is gay and, after going into her own "closet" about that reality, she confronts her father and ultimately becomes one of his biggest supporters!   Mary Lou's Story A wife, mother and grandmother's story of her life-long struggle with her feelings, and her two "coming out" stories...the first after 19 years of marriage, and the second only recently as a proud gay senior citizen!   Phil’s Story A married man’s journey to “come out” to himself . . . and then to his wife.  "Phil's Story" continues to unfold as Phil is currently writing more "chapters" about his journey and struggle as a man married to his wife who struggles with his homosexuality.  Check back occasionally to read the latest installments!   Ruth’s Story A mother learns that her son is gay . . . and that he is battling AIDS, and in the process, discovers a whole new life of giving, educating and advocating for the rights of others.   Stephanie's Story A teenager's college entrance essay on the most significant event in her life--the night she "came out" to her mother.  Did her mother accept her?  Did the college accept her?  Read her story and find out what happened!

WANTED: Your Story!  Why not add your story here so that others can learn from your journey?  Contact us!