Michael Albetta, President of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
“My mother was my queen and my best friend. She loved me unconditionally, especially when I came out. She expressed to me I am her son no matter what.. She was the Auntie Mame. She introduced me to firsts — the museums, theater, fine dining and the world. I traveled the world with her, I have been to every continent except Australia and Antarctica (she worked for Trans World Airlines for 26 years). She gave me an education that you could not buy. She was the person to really teach me, “We are all created equal.” I loved my mother and miss her so. She was known to those who knew her as “Mama Jean.”
Floridians Tell Us About Their Mothers
Michael Albetta, President of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
“My mother was my queen and my best friend. She loved me unconditionally, especially when I came out. She expressed to me I am her son no matter what.. She was the Auntie Mame. She introduced me to firsts — the museums, theater, fine dining and the world. I traveled the world with her, I have been to every continent except Australia and Antarctica (she worked for Trans World Airlines for 26 years). She gave me an education that you could not buy. She was the person to really teach me, “We are all created equal.” I loved my mother and miss her so. She was known to those who knew her as “Mama Jean.”
Richard Cortez, singer/songwriter
“My mom is the greatest because she’s always stood behind me and supported me 100% in whatever I wanted to do with my life. She bought me my first 4-track recorder and now I’ve built a home studio and I’m working on my 5th album. Without her belief in me and constant support, I don’t know if I would’ve always had the strength to continue pursuing dreams in the face of adversity. …also, she just ironed a couple of shirts for me last week! She’s cool like that.”
Edison Farrow, SoBe Social Club
“My mother is magnificent! She is extremely thoughtful and always optimistic.
I will be seeing her in New York just prior to Mother’s Day. I’m still working on the gift!”
Linda Jain, Program Operations Manager of The Pride Center at Equality Park
“My mom was an exceptionally strong woman. She held her values, her intelligence and her family close to her heart.”
Mark Lowe, co-owner Living Room Nightclub
“My mom is British – religious – and very judgmental. She made me the insane individual I am – for that – I eternally grateful.”
Stephen Moss, Chief Executive Officer, Florida Entertainment Group
“My mother has got to be the most kind and patient woman in the world for being able to put up with me for 45 years. I am going to send her a chorale of 12 drag queens, a glamazon and a little person to serenade her Mother’s Day felicitations in perfect pitch harmony.”
Jackson Padgett, owner of Georgie’s Alibi Wilton Manors and Bill’s Filling Station
“She taught me and my sisters how to be strong, confident adults. To be caring and generous with concern for others and most of all she taught us to stand strong in life with its gifts, and losses and treat it with respect. Mark and I are bringing her and my dad, my eldest sister and her husband, and her daughter and husband in for a weekend get together for Mother’s Day.”
Lloyd Pagels, owner of Scandals in Wilton Manors and The Stable in Oakland Park
“No matter what I did, who I was, or who I became, my mom’s acceptance was unconditional. Even though she is gone now, I still find myself at times reaching for the telephone to call her – which I did everyday. She is and always will be with me.”
Jason Tamanini, Manager, The Manor
“My mother is great because she provides unconditional love, care and support. She is always there to lend an ear and offer great advice. We work great as a team! I am sending her gift cards to go and get some hair and nails done -her favorite time!”
