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 Dear Instinct,
I had to tell you about my PFLAG mom from hell, Barbara. She is determined to right all instances of homophobia in her community. I came out at 16 and she has always been very supportive of me in all of my pursuits, like ethnic dance class or performing with fire. When a small local rag published a homophobic opinion piece, Mom took up her keyboard and began an e-mail war with the editor. More recently, when my 13-year-old cousin returned from a church youth retreat where he was preached to about the “cure” for homosexuality, my mom exchanged several phone calls with the group leaders, telling them that their “hate the sin, not the sinner” attitude was nonsense, anti-Christian and homophobic. Mom is out there fighting for our rights in the small conservative areas of our country one e-mail or phone call at a time. She’s a crusader for gay rights, opinionated and she has a big mouth! She’s the best and I wouldn’t trade her in for anyone else.
Wesley Gomes Seattle,WA
When Wesley first came out, Barbara did everything she could to understand her son’s situation—ultimately becoming the “ass-kicking, PFLAG-loving, warrior for human rights that she is today.” But her love and acceptance doesn’t end at her son. Wesley and Barbara worked together at a homeless shelter for GLBT youths. “I could never imagine turning my back on my son no matter who he was,” she says. What strikes Wesley the most is that his mom speaks out on his behalf, loudly and passionately. “If she hears a homophobic remark or joke, she’s the first to open her mouth in protest,” Wesley says. “She tells everyone that she has a gay son and she doesn’t want to hear bigoted remarks.” Barbara says she’s inspired by something bigger than herself. “I love my son,” she says, “and am so proud of everything he’s done in his life so far.”
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Instinct Online 
written by patrick j. loucks 17....tacoma wa. on July 02, 2007
wow...she sounds like a great mom..i just wish that my mom would have been there for me when i came out at the age of 14..she should mom of the year award or something....