MANSFIELD — In February 2013, Deena Pfahler found a letter from one of her twin boys. Though addressed to her, it wasn’t meant for her eyes — not yet — because in the letter, her son Aaron shared that he was gay.
“For three months, I didn’t share with my son that I found the letter, I needed time to process as I didn’t want to say something I would regret,” Pfahler said.
When she did tell Aaron about the letter, she assured him she loved him and would always stand by him, even though at that time, she didn’t fully understand or agree with her son. She regularly attended church and believed strongly that “being gay” was a sin.
The following weekend, Aaron’s twin Austin delivered similar news. He too was gay.
Pfahler, of course, was surprised. Both her sons were gay.
“So I began a journey, and at times a difficult journey, but one I’d travel again to be the person I am today,” she said.
Six years later, Pfahler has different beliefs. She leads Love On A Mission, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ youth that is now preparing for its inaugural gala.
The Colors of Love, the Love on a Mission Gala is set to take place Saturday, April 27 at Dan Lew Exchange in downtown Mansfield. About two and a half weeks before the event, it had already sold out.
“The amount of support through sponsors and donations have been overwhelming,” Pfahler said. “My heart is so full.”
The purpose of the gala is to raise enough funds for the nonprofit to lease or purchase its own space, for use by the area’s youth.
Since October 2015, the organization has met monthly, but with its own building, Pfahler imagines the organization could be available a few times per week, perhaps after school. Long-term, the organization could offer emergency beds available for those that find themselves homeless after coming out to their parents or family.
“However, our main goal at this time is to have our own space, creating a safe place where the LGBTQ+ youth and their allies in and around Mansfield can come and be their authentic selves,” she said.
