Jeanne Manford

Jeanne Manford was a renowned LGBT rights activist and the founder of PFLAG, a organization that supports LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. She is best known for her tireless efforts to promote LGBT rights and acceptance, particularly within the Catholic Church and other religious institutions, such as the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. Manford's work was heavily influenced by her interactions with prominent LGBT rights activists, including Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings, and Harry Hay. Her advocacy also drew support from notable figures like Coretta Scott King, Harvey Milk, and Gloria Steinem.

● Early Life and Education

Jeanne Manford was born on December 4, 1920, in Queens, New York City, to a family of Irish American descent. She grew up in a devout Catholic household and was educated at Catholic schools, including St. John's University and the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Manford's early life was marked by a strong sense of social justice, which was fostered by her involvement with organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union. Her interest in LGBT rights was sparked by her son's experiences as a gay man, which led her to become involved with the Gay Activists Alliance and the Daughters of Bilitis.

● Activism and PFLAG

Manford's activism gained momentum in the early 1970s, when she began attending Gay Pride marches and rallies, including the Stonewall riots and the Christopher Street Liberation Day parade. In 1972, she founded PFLAG, which initially stood for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, with the help of other supportive parents, including Adele Starr and Ruth Simmons. The organization quickly gained national attention, with chapters springing up in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. Manford's work with PFLAG drew support from prominent figures like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Shirley Chisholm, as well as organizations like the American Psychological Association and the National Education Association.

● Personal Life

Manford was married to Jules Manford, a World War II veteran, and had three children, including her son Morty Manford, who was a prominent LGBT rights activist in his own right. The family lived in Flushing, Queens, where Manford was active in local community organizations, including the Flushing Council on Social Affairs and the Queens County Democratic Committee. Manford's personal life was marked by a strong sense of faith, which was reflected in her involvement with the Catholic Church and other religious institutions, such as the National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice and the Catholic Committee on Urban Ministry.

● Legacy and Impact

Manford's legacy as a pioneering LGBT rights activist has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Her work with PFLAG has helped to promote acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within the Catholic Church and other religious institutions, such as the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ. Manford's impact has also been felt in the broader LGBT rights movement, with her advocacy influencing the work of organizations like the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power and the Lesbian and Gay Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union.

● Death and Tributes

Manford passed away on January 8, 2013, at the age of 92, in Dennis, Massachusetts. Her death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the LGBT rights community, including statements from PFLAG, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National LGBTQ Task Force. Manford's legacy continues to be celebrated through the work of PFLAG and other organizations, as well as through the Jeanne Manford Award, which is presented annually by PFLAG to recognize outstanding contributions to the LGBT rights movement. Her impact has also been recognized by the United States Congress, with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand paying tribute to her memory. Category:LGBT rights activists