February 7, 2014: The Jefferson Awards were founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard. The Awards were designed to celebrate “change-makers” and promote volunteerism. I have nominated my dad. Whether he wins or not, I am so proud of him. I love you, dad.
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My father has been President of the Snohomish County chapter of PFLAG for nearly sixteen years, beginning in 1998. When he started this journey, he didn’t technically have any skin in the game. A heterosexual man in his “winter” years (his words) with three heterosexual daughters, he simply saw an injustice that he couldn’t let stand. In addition to his work with PFLAG, he was instrumental in advancing the mission of his church to formally adopt an open and affirming position of inclusion for all. He has encouraged, advocated for, and loved countless GLBTQ friends as they struggled for acceptance and fought for their identities. He has been the calming voice on the end of many desperate phone calls … day or night. In celebration, he has been the best man at three weddings. He will continue to fight for equality and revel in the diversity that makes our communities so rich and bright.
In 1998, the same year he accepted his position with PFLAG, Matthew Shepard was murdered … the victim of an anti-gay hate crime. Today, the tide is changing. Today, same-sex marriage is legal in 17 states.
My father is now 76 years old. A retired financial planner. The silver hair and wise eyes … the stable career. He is smart, and he is mainstream. And I think that is a part of the reason why he has been able to effect so much change within his circle of influence. A beautiful, intricate fabric is woven when the conventional meets the fringe.
Many of us feel outrage at the presence of injustice. Some of us even feel called to action. Fewer still actually show up. My father has … day after day, month after month, year after year. And every day, he lives the example of his beliefs.