|
PFLAG Mom
Of Rep Barney Frank Dies
by 365Gay.com from the Web August 9, 2005
|
 |
PFLAG Mom
Of Rep Barney
Frank Dies
by 365Gay.com
from the Web August 9, 2005
|
|
|
|
Washington -- Elsie Frank, the
mother of U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and a longtime PFLAG mom, has died. She
was 92.
She was recently diagnosed with cancer and died at Brigham and Women's Hospital
in Boston where she was undergoing treatment.
A popular and recognizable figure in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Elsie Frank
was active in PFLAG and seniors advocacy groups.
In 2003, she told the Boston LGBT publication Bay Windows, "My most rewarding
work with PFLAG has been to know that there are so many parents and relatives
who are proud of their children."
Jody Huckaby, PFLAG's executive director, said he spoke with Elsie two weeks
ago. "We had a great conversation. She was then as the gay community
has always known her: a dignified and authentic advocate for equality as
well as a humble and light-hearted friend."
Despite her advanced years Elsie Frank was very much involved in her community.
PFLAG's Safe Schools program was particularly important to her. Last year
she joined a group from PFLAG Greater Boston to lobby the state legislators to
reinstate funding for programs that provide support to GLBT teens.
"It can give teenagers courage to be what they are and not try to be what you're
not, and to be able to talk to their parents about being gay," she said.
In 2003 she received PFLAG's Voice of Truth Award.
In addition to her work with the gay community Elsie Frank was an outspoken
champion of the elderly. She was a co-founder of the Boston-based
Committee to End Elder Homelessness and frequently spoke to seniors on the
importance of living active lives.
In addition to Rep. Barney Frank she leaves behind Democratic strategist Ann
Lewis, Doris Breay and David Frank, six grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
"She will be dearly missed by the PFLAG parents she inspired with her steadfast
support and by GLBT people everywhere who saw in Elsie the true meaning of
unconditional love," said Sam Thoron, PFLAG's President.
|
