Adele Starr - 1920-2010
American Gay Rights Activist
As it is Mother's Day in my native United Kingdom, I decided to change today's planned entry to blog of a person who represents wonderful mothers, as well as wonderful women. I feel Adele Starr is a very worthy personification of both.
Adele, like many people, had her own negative preconceptions of homosexual lifestyles. In 1974 her son, Philip told his parents he was gay. Adele was so upset and confused by her son's sexuality, that he directed her to a support group.
Over time, she overcame her dismay and became supportive both of her son and of other gay people and their parents.
In 1979, The National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights took place in the capital of the USA. Adele stood on the steps of Capitol Hill and addressed more than 75,000 gay men, lesbian women, bisexual and transgender people and their straight allies. The rally called for equal rights for homosexual people and for protective
Measure of the powerful commitment that mother love brings.
Terry DeCrescenzo, Friend and Fellow Activist
Two years after the march in Washington, Adele became the first national President of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), a group that has campaigned for gay rights for many years, including important work during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 90s and campaigning for the legalisaion of same-sex marriage. She spoke publicly, supported other parents privately and was unyielding in her belief that homosexuality is determined at birth and that everyone should enjoy the same civil freedoms regardless of their sexual orientation.
A woman who overcame her own beliefs to support her child and then helped many other parents and children too. Incredibly wonderful.
The American way is respect for diversity with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Adele Starr
****Happy Mother's Day to all the mums amongst you, you are very wonderful xx****
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