A Happy Birthday to Elinor Lewallen from PFLAG National!

It is always a pleasure to find an occasion to salute the phenomenal parents, friends and allies who make up the PFLAG family. Many of these PFLAG leaders have been with us for years – even decades – and their commitment to, and passion for, our work has never wavered. Their long-time support has ensured PFLAG’s presence in communities small and large, from coast-to-coast, and their hard worked has moved equality forward in nearly every corner of the country.

One of those PFLAG leaders is Elinor Lewallen, who will celebrate her 90th birthday on May 17th. Elinor is truly an inspiration to the entire PFLAG family, and I wanted to acknowledge her leadership in a special birthday announcement.

Elinor served as the National President of PFLAG in the 1980s . . . when our National Office was, quite literally, in her basement! For more than two decades, she has been a role model and an undeniable example of the power of PFLAG parents.

And even as she recovers from a recent stay in the hospital, she remains a vibrant part of the community.

As she approaches her 90th birthday, she still attends monthly PFLAG meetings in Denver. And if there’s an LGBT chorus event in town, you’re almost sure to find Elinor there. She remains a visible, vocal and important part of the community – and PFLAG family – in Colorado.

I hope the entire PFLAG family will join me in toasting Elinor’s birthday, saluting her service to PFLAG and vowing to follow in her footsteps and help move equality forward! If you would like to send a birthday greeting to Elinor, please email her daughter, Janet, by clicking here or at janetkl@aol.com. You can also send wishes to P.O. Box 200203, Denver, CO 80220.

Happy Birthday, Elinor, from the entire PFLAG family... and best wishes from us all for a speedy recovery following your release from the hospital!

P.S.: In PFLAG’s May Update, we incorrectly identified Elinor as Janet Lewallen. Janet is, in fact, Elinor’s daughter. We apologize for the error.

- Jody M Huckaby