Father's love sparks LGBTQ+ rights crusade in 1980s America

Robert Bernstein‚ a tax lawyer who passed away last month at 98 transformed into an LGBTQ+ rights champion after his daughter came out as gay in the late 80s. His journey from self-described “recovering homophobe“ to activist showcases the power of parental love in driving social change

Bernsteins initial reaction to his daughters news was unexpected: he penned a heartfelt letter‚ assuring her that her sexuality was an “irrelevancy“ compared to her character. This moment marked the beginning of his advocacy which spanned over three decades

Typically‚ the parent of a gay child passes through successive stages of shock disbelief‚ sorrow and‚ sooner or later acceptance. For many of us‚ however‚ there is yet another phase: outrage against societys stereotypical thinking that would relegate our gay loved ones to second-class citizenship

Bernstein became a key figure in PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) serving as vice-president for both local and national chapters. He authored books to guide parents of LGBTQ+ children and used his platform to challenge societal prejudices

His activism coincided with significant milestones in LGBTQ+ rights:
- The repeal of “dont ask‚ dont tell“ policy about 13 years ago
- The U.S Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage roughly 9 years back

Bernsteins personal struggles with mental health and his advocacy for disability rights informed his approach to LGBTQ+ issues. He recognized that both causes involved overcoming ignorance and stigma

A pivotal moment in Bernsteins advocacy came during the 1987 March on Washington. The overwhelming response from young LGBTQ+ demonstrators to PFLAG members presence solidified his belief in the power of parental support to combat homophobia

Robert Bernsteins legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of love and acceptance in driving social progress