Fortunate Families Catholic Families with Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons

Grounded in Catholic tradition, Fortunate Families ministers primarily with Catholic parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender daughters and sons—but welcomes families of all faiths. When parents explore and value their personal stories, they are empowered to share that story with their family circle, their faith community and the larger society.

Parents just learning that a son is gay or a daughter is lesbian will find resources—including the Fortunate Families Newsletter—and support to help them understand, accept, and affirm their child who is a child of God. Catholic parents will find information regarding Church teaching and pastoral responses to the gay or lesbian child. Parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender daughters and gay sons who yearn for a more welcoming church and society will find strategies for making their faith communities and their world safer and more just for their children.

Grounded in Catholic tradition, Fortunate Families welcomes families of all faiths.

Words to Ponder

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Our Stories

Our Programs

What do you say after someone you love says, "I'm gay"?

That's the question our family faced a decade ago when the oldest of our six sons told his mother and me that he was gay.

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Fortunate Families offers opportunities for parents to meet other parents with lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender daughters and sons and to talk about their common experience and concerns.

Presentations, Days of Reflections and Retreats are just a sampling of programs available for parents, pastoral ministers and faith communities.

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I wear a rainbow because . .

I believe that the rainbow is a symbol of a promise from God.
I believe we are all God’s children, and have an inheritance in that promise.
I believe that wearing it reminds those who would deny my child a place at God’s table that they don’t own the guest list.
I believe that wearing it gives hope to a gay youngster that there are adults who can love him/her.
I believe that wearing it gives parents an open door to talk to me about their gay children; and that leads to affirmed and healthy children.
I believe that it starts the conversation with those who are ignorant of the struggles of gay folk.
So, if you see me in your communion line with a rainbow cross, or pin, or peace sign; I would hope you realize that wearing the pin is my way of reaching out to the marginalized, and reminding them that they are welcome, loved.
When I serve as extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, I wear it to remind me not to judge anyone who comes forward, but instead to share with them the table of the Lord.

We are all God’s children, God loves us all.