Holly Safford of Duxbury to Represent Honorary Marshal & PFLAG Founder Jeanne Manford in 2013 Boston Pride Parad

Greater Boston PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is proud to announce that PFLAG Founder, the late Jeanne Manford, has been named Honorary Marshal of the 2013 Boston Pride Parade.  The Boston Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 with Duxbury's Holly Safford, Founder and President of The Catered Affair, and Joan Parker representing the PFLAG Founder.

A pioneer in the 1970’s, Jeanne made her voice heard in support of her gay son and soon became a ‘mother’ to countless lesbians and gays who were estranged from their own families.  In 1973, Jeanne started the support group Parents of Gays in New York and her simple yet powerful message of love and acceptance began to resonate with families worldwide.  Similar support groups began to spring up and PFLAG was established. 

According to Deborah Peeples, President of Greater Boston PFLAG, Jeanne Manford helped make it possible to unite the unique parent, family, and ally voice with the voice of LGBTQI people everywhere.  “Greater Boston PFLAG is thrilled to represent Honorary Marshal Jeanne Manford at this year’s Pride Parade,” said Peeples.  “Over 40 years ago Jeanne’s simple act of loving and accepting her gay son made such a tremendous impact on millions of people. As a result of her work, PFLAG was established and to this day the organization continues to grow. On behalf of Greater Boston PFLAG, Joan Parker and Holly Safford will participate in the parade to commemorate this incredible woman.  We couldn’t be more proud.”

About Greater Boston PFLAG

Greater Boston PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) offers help for LGBT persons and their families through support, education and advocacy.  For over 20 years, Greater Boston PFLAG has provided award-winning, highly effective bullying and violence prevention services.  Each year, Greater Boston PFLAG delivers over 200 educational programs statewide, reaching over 12,000 people in middle and high schools, religious organizations, colleges, corporations, and at conferences for healthcare, counseling, and prevention specialists.  Greater Boston PFLAG helps change attitudes and creates an environment of understanding so that LGBT family members and friends can live in a world that is safe and inclusive.

About Boston Pride

Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections.