In the last month, we saw our own Mayor Jerry Sanders make history by signing the City Council resolution to support the marriage equality case currently before the California Supreme Court.

In Mayor Sanders’ powerful news conference announcing his change of heart on the measure, he previously said he would veto, we saw an elected official do something that has, unfortunately, become almost unheard of: He listened to others; evolved in his thinking; showed true political courage and valued his own family and the families of others.

While his actions as mayor were lauded from coast to coast, what was even more heartwarming, inspiring and significant was what Jerry Sanders did as a parent. He told the truth about his family, and in doing so, he came out as the father of a lesbian daughter.

Our parents’ ability to have an impact on our quest for equality depends first on our coming out to them. For some of us, this can be one of our most challenging moments; for others, it’s an announcement received with affection, support and love.

Once we come out to our parents, they begin their own journey. Some struggle with this information, and find their way to PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to find support. Still others struggle in silence. Others reach a level of acceptance and understanding after more conversations with us, and with other members of our families.

Sometimes amazing things happen when we come out. We find support in places we might not have expected, and begin to find our place in a community where we are affirmed. And, sometimes, when our parents come out extraordinary things also happen. When they begin to tell the truth about their families as they talk with their friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. the world opens up. When these parents talk about their own challenges, but also voice support for us, it makes a huge impact.

A few months ago, I was writing about PFLAG and our parents as effective advocates for our equality. I said that when our parents speak out on our behalf, they are “speaking the language of the media, of legislators, of faith leaders and of the general public – all of whom can relate at some level to a parent advocating for their child.”

What I could not have foreseen was that one of the most unforgettable examples of this power would come directly from an elected official; the Mayor of America’s Finest City. Mayor Sanders’ journey to supporting marriage equality began because his daughter found the courage to tell the truth about her life. Then Mayor Sanders found his own courage; the courage to tell the story of his own family, his own heart and his own convictions.

As we prepare for another National Coming Out Day, we celebrate all of the families who have found the courage; and our hearts ache for those still trapped in silence.

PFLAG-San Diego can be reached at 619-579-7640 or info@pflag.com.