A Father's Comments
Curt Georgeson
Just before Christmas of 1979 I received a letter from my daughter Terry telling me she was a lesbian. That letter shook me like no other letter I have ever received. If someone would have told me that nearly 18 years later I would walk hand in hand with Terry, her life partner Sheri, and my wife Barbara in a Gay Pride Parade, I would have told them they were crazy.
My reaction to her letter 18 years ago was one of panic and fear for her safety. I remember having many questions in my mind. Why did she make this choice? Why did she have to tell me? Who else has she told? How do I tell my family? What if my friends find out? What if my co-workers find out? Will my family and friends still accept me? How will they now treat Terry? In other words, I had a real problem with "it."
Many people helped me deal with my problem. First and foremost my wife, who was not even my wife in 1979, said to me after reading Terry's letter, "So what is your problem?" Her attitude and support has helped me more than anything. She, together with the friends we have made in PFLAG, have enabled me to find answers to my questions and calm my fears. My panic has turned to pride for my daughter and all that she is today.
I have always loved my daughter and thank God I told her that I loved her when I answered her "coming out" letter. Along with our love for Terry and Sheri has grown a pride in their relationship. This pride almost made me burst my buttons as we marched through the streets of San Francisco. We all shed tears of joy as we held hands carrying a sign that read "We love our children just the way they are."
We also carried a sign which identified us as being from PFLAG Cornhusker-Lincoln, Nebraska. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the parade, and we could hear yells of "Yeah Nebraska, we love your signs!" It was a fantastic thrill to hear the cheers for PFLAG from the crowds. We were told that there were about 700 people from PFLAG marching in the parade along with hundreds more from other supportive organizations.
The friendliness of other PFLAG members and the acceptance from the thousands along the parade route made the day an unbelievable experience. Words cannot tell what the day meant to the four of us personally. I have no panic only love and pride.
We all have the right to be proud of who we are. God created diversity, man created prejudice and bigotry. Who do you believe?
Curt Georgeson is PFLAG Lincoln-Cornhusker Parent.
Used with permission.
