Jeanne Manford, American educator and activist, co-founded PFLAG (b. 1920)

Jeanne Sobelson Manford (December 4, 1920 – January 8, 2013) was a pioneering American schoolteacher and an iconic activist whose profound courage ignited a movement of parental support for the LGBTQ+ community. Her unwavering advocacy laid the groundwork for PFLAG, an organization that has since become a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, earning her the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal.

The Catalyst for Activism: A Mother's Love and Courage

Born Jeanne Sobelson on December 4, 1920, Jeanne Manford spent much of her life as a dedicated schoolteacher in Flushing, Queens, New York. However, it was a pivotal moment in April 1972 that transformed her from an educator into a fearless champion for equality. Her son, Morty Manford, a prominent gay rights activist at the time, was brutally assaulted while distributing flyers at the annual Inner Circle dinner, a political roast in New York City. This unprovoked act of violence, witnessed by police who reportedly took no action to intervene, deeply shocked and angered Jeanne. Refusing to let this injustice stand, she penned a powerful letter to the New York Post, publicly declaring her son's homosexuality and lamenting the police inaction, famously asking, "I am the mother of a homosexual. What am I supposed to do now?" This simple yet profound question resonated deeply with countless parents seeking to understand and support their LGBTQ+ children.

The Birth of PFLAG: A March Towards Acceptance

Jeanne's public declaration was not an isolated act; it was the spark that ignited a national movement. Just a few weeks after the assault, during the 1972 New York City Gay Pride Parade, Jeanne marched alongside her son, Morty, carrying a now-iconic handmade sign that read: "Parents of Gays: Unite in Support of Our Children." This unprecedented public display of parental support captivated onlookers and media alike, filling a critical void within the burgeoning gay rights movement. The emotional impact was immediate and profound, as other parents of gay children approached her, expressing their desire for a safe space to connect and support each other. This overwhelming response led to the first formal meeting in March 1973 at the Metropolitan-Duane Methodist Church in New York City, drawing approximately 20 people. From this humble beginning, the organization known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) was officially founded. Its initial mission was clear: to provide a network of support for parents navigating their children's coming out journeys, to educate the public about LGBTQ+ issues, and to advocate for equal rights and understanding.

PFLAG's Enduring Legacy and Impact

Over the decades, PFLAG has grown exponentially from its single New York chapter into a formidable national organization with hundreds of chapters across the United States and even internationally. It remains the largest organization of its kind, offering crucial resources, educational materials, and a vital community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. PFLAG's work extends beyond emotional support; it actively engages in public education campaigns, advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, and challenges discrimination at all levels, from local communities to national legislation. While originally focusing on parents of lesbians and gays, PFLAG has evolved to embrace all identities within the queer community, including bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, now simply using the acronym PFLAG to reflect its broader inclusive mission and commitment to diversity.

National Recognition: The Presidential Citizens Medal

Jeanne Manford's tireless dedication and pioneering spirit were recognized at the highest level of American civilian honor. On February 15, 2013, just over a month after her passing, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Barack Obama. This prestigious award, the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, acknowledges Americans who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Obama specifically lauded Manford for "founding PFLAG, which has provided much-needed support to families and allies of the LGBT community for 40 years" and for her "courageous and unwavering advocacy for equality." This posthumous recognition cemented her legacy as an indispensable figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, underscoring the profound impact of a mother's love transformed into a powerful force for social change and acceptance across the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jeanne Manford and PFLAG

Who was Jeanne Manford?
Jeanne Manford (1920-2013) was an American schoolteacher and activist best known as the co-founder of PFLAG, a seminal organization providing support, education, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and their families. She is celebrated for her pivotal role in initiating parental support for LGBTQ+ rights.
What prompted Jeanne Manford to become an activist?
Her activism was ignited in April 1972 when her son, Morty Manford, a gay rights activist, was violently assaulted. This incident prompted her to write a public letter to the New York Post and later courageously march in the 1972 New York City Gay Pride Parade, carrying a sign in support of her gay son, which directly led to the formation of PFLAG.
What does PFLAG stand for?
PFLAG originally stood for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. While it continues to embody these relationships and the original mission, the organization now primarily uses just PFLAG as its name to be more inclusive of the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum, encompassing bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and their allies.
When was PFLAG founded?
PFLAG officially held its first meeting and was founded in March 1973, following Jeanne Manford's iconic and brave march in the 1972 New York City Gay Pride Parade, which drew widespread attention and interest from other parents.
What is the Presidential Citizens Medal?
The Presidential Citizens Medal is the second-highest civilian award in the United States, bestowed upon Americans who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. Jeanne Manford received it posthumously in 2013 from President Barack Obama for her pioneering and impactful work with PFLAG and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.