“I love what I’m doing, because I just love this community, and I know what it’s like to be a mom in this position. And I just want to help other people so that they don’t have such a hard time navigating this.”

Wendy VonSosen is referring to her role as president of Mama Dragons, an organization whose mission is to support, educate, and empower mothers of LGBTQ children. They support all moms, of course, but focus primarily on those who are religious or conservative. Why? “Because it’s more difficult for them.”

Like all Mama members, Wendy knows of what she speaks. Raised Mormon, her beliefs became severely challenged when her own son came out at a young age. In her attempts to process her child’s sexual orientation, something she’s come to accept as being “as natural as having 10 fingers and 10 toes,” she found the organization and the resources/support she needed.

For those who listen to this podcast on a regular basis, you’ll know that I’m passionate about women supporting women. This organization, however, raises the bar. Not only for what they do for each other, but also for the rippling effect into the LBGTQ community.

According to Wendy, LGBTQ youth who are rejected by their families are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide, 6 times more likely to experience depression, 3 times more likely to use illegal drugs, and 3 times more likely to be at high risk for HIV and STDs. Encouraging love and acceptance is a critical need.

“Everyone’s journey is different, and everyone has their own path, but if we can just support one another as women and mothers so that these kids can have the most loving environment for growing up, I think that that’s a really good thing.”

I couldn’t agree more, Wendy. Cheers to that!

If you’re a mother who is struggling with her child’s sexual orientation, Wendy and her fellow dragons have a message for you:

“You don’t need to know the answers. You don’t need to know how this happened or why this happened or what the future holds. The only thing that is necessary is for you to love and accept your child without condition. And you’re welcome to join Mama Dragons.”

You can hear my interview with Wendy VonSosen on iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or by clicking HERE.

Learn more:
Mama Dragons Website
Mama Dragons Video
Mama Dragons Instagram
Mama Dragons Facebook