Fortunate Families believes that when parents explore and value their stories, they are empowered to share that story with their family circle, their faith community and the larger society.  Here are some of their stories.

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AUTHOR

KINSHIP

TITLE

DESCRIPTION

Balog, Florence Mother of lesbian daughters (twins) My twin lesbian daughters Florence expresses concern that the institutional church judges her twin lesbian daughters without knowing them, and is grateful that her parish follows Jesus' message and welcomes everyone.
Balog, Steve Father of lesbian daughters (twins) The light has been passed After his fearful first sharing of having twin lesbians daughters with his church congregation, years later Steve hears of the positive effect it made with one parishioner.
Byers, Mary Mother of gay sons (three of them) Rainbow Fish Pin Ministry Ministries come in all shapes and sizes. Mary wears a rainbow fish pin to honor her three sons, but it also serves as a conversation starter and an opportunity to impart information. Contact her if you'd like to have one too.
Lopata, Casey Father of gay son Can My Son be Gay and Catholic? Casey describes how he reconciles his understanding of Church teaching with his son's being gay.

Lopata, Mary Ellen

Mother of gay son

God's Love Revealed: Reflections on being a Catholic Mother

After the initial confusion, tears, pain, and fear of learning she has a gay son, Mary Ellen struggles for years before coming to realize how fortunate she and her family are.
Nelson, Tom Father of gay son God Gave me a Gay Son … and I did not always think it a blessing Tom, Notre Dame grad, writes movingly about his coming to terms with his having a gay son.
Pickett, Bill Father of trans m>f A Parent's Perspective: Transsexual Identity and Wholeness Bill learns about gender identity disorder and gender dysphoria, and supports his daughter (formerly son) and her family through a difficult and traumatic transition.
Szumiloski, Len Father of gay son Enfolding Gay Son Elevates Family Len's Christmas experience of family with his gay son and his partner enables him to understand how they have enhanced his family despite a contrary message from the church pulpit.
Szumiloski, Len Father of gay son Gay Agenda is Just Human Agenda Len learns from his son that so-called "gay rights" are not "special rights."
Weber, Fred & Carol Parents of gay son Acceptance of a Gay Son Fred and Carol move from personal acceptance, to public acceptance, to advocacy. They believe all people, regardless of sexual orientation should be accepted with dignity and allowed all civil rights.