Gay man’s parents get named St. Pete Pride grand marshals

PLANT CITY — When Nancy and John “Lefty” Desmond’s adult son told them four years ago that he was gay, they decided to do more than accept him with unconditional love.

The Plant City couple wanted to help other parents who face similar revelations react with understanding. They founded the Tampa chapter of Parents, FamiliesandFriends of Lesbians and Gays. They also have been active in advocacy of gay rights.

“They go to every meeting and every event to show their support,” said the Rev. JimRapp, who got to know theDesmondswhenhewas interim minister of a gayfriendlyTampa church.

The couple’s work has earned them and other members of their chapter a place of honor on a float as grand marshals at the St. Pete Pride parade June 28. The other grand marshals are St. Petersburg City Council member Darden RiceandJayAller, resourcedevelopment manager for AIDS Service Association of Pinellas.

St. Pete Pride Executive Director Eric Skains said the Desmonds are the first straight people selected to serve as the parade’s grand marshals.

“I knowthey have done a lot of good work for the PFLAG organization,” he said.

The Desmonds, who retired eight years ago, said they founded the PFLAG chapter so they could help other parents and protect the rights of gays and lesbians. The chapter holds monthly meetings and has several purposes, including serving as a support group.

“We are the first door families go through after they find out that a family member is gay,” Nancy Desmond said.

They formed PFLAG Tampa after visiting a chapter in Valrico. That chapter since has merged with their organization.

The Desmonds say they try to urge family members who visit their meetings to accept loved ones who tell themtheyaregayor lesbian.

“It’s very important that you don’t try to change them. You can’t,” she said.