Mary Griffith: The life story and death of Bobby Griffith's mom

Mary Griffith was an American activist famous for being an LGBTQ rights crusader. However, what makes her story remarkable is that she is a former ex-evangelical Christian who was homophobic. Her staunch religious beliefs led to the death of her son, Bobby Griffith, who committed sui*cide after she rejected him when he came out as gay.

Mary Griffith was involved in campaigning for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. She was also outspoken about harmful practices in the community, such as religious intolerance. Her life story, and her son’s, were turned into a book and later a film – which is iconic in the gay community.

So, how did Griffith go from an intolerant religious fanatic to one of the most prominent gay rights activists? And what else is there to know about her? Below is the life story of the activist, from her background, family, activist work, and death.

Mary Griffith profile summary

Early life

Mary Alma Harrison Griffith was born in Colón, Colón District, Panama, on October 13, 1934. She was the daughter of Alvin Edward Harrison (who passed away in 1986) and Ophelia Ambria Casey Harrison (who passed away in 2000). She had several siblings, including Alvin Warren Harrison (died 2013), Edward Potter Harrison (died 2017), Noma Barnett, Martha Lane, and Charles Harrison.

Griffith’s parents were staunch Christians, to the extent that family dinner topics usually included threats of eternal damnation. Also, growing up, she was an insecure girl and seemingly slow, which led her mother to call her 'lamebrain'.

When she was a teenager, Griffith got into a bit of trouble, leading to a run-in with the law. The encounter led her to believe that she was a sinner and Godless. This, combined with her strict Christian upbringing, led her down the path of religious extremism.

Activism career

There is not much information about Griffith before the death of her son Bobby Griffith, but she is rumoured to have been a teacher. However, all that changed when Bobby died in 1983. The 20-year-old had realized that he was in high school and was afraid to tell his friends, especially his family, who had extreme anti-gay views.

When Bobby told his family that he was gay, he received a little support from his father and siblings. However, Griffith, on her part, was vehemently against him and took him for counselling at a local evangelical church. She also left Bible verses on his dressing mirror in an attempt to help him change.

The situation at home caused Bobby to drop out of high school. After some time, he left home for Portland, where he lived with his boyfriend. A few months later, he visited his family, where Griffith again continued to pressure him to repent, telling him that “he could change if he wanted to”. Ultimately, Bobby gave up and committed suic*ide by jumping off a freeway overpass.

After Bobby’s death, Griffith changed her stance on homosexuality. The suic*ide forced her and the rest of the family to realize that acceptance was more vital, despite religious and personal beliefs. Her change of heart led her to PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Les*bians and Gays), one of the largest American organizations that campaigns for LBGTQ rights and equality.

Over time, Griffith became an outspoken gay rights activist and would share her story with other parents and families. By doing this, she hoped they would not go through similar tragic experiences. Griffith was also an outspoken critic of conversion therapy and religious intolerance against the gay community.

Mary campaigned for issues such as Gay Freedom Week and increased support for gay students in public schools. She even testified before congress once, requesting federal funding for LGBTQ education in schools. Griffith’s involvement with PFLAG and her outspoken support for LGBTQ rights led her to become the president of the organization’s San Francisco chapter.

Griffith told her story through author Leroy F. Aarons. In 1995 it was published in the book, Prayers for Bobby: A Mother’s Coming to Terms with the Sui*cide of Her Gay Son. In 2009, the story was adapted into a film, Prayers for Bobby. Griffith served as a co-producer in the movie, with actress Sigourney Weaver playing her.

Prayers for Bobby (both book and film) received international success, reaching millions worldwide. The film received several nominations for awards, including the Emmys, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Award.

Mary Griffith’s husband

Who are the family members of activist Mary Griffith? She was married to Robert Griffith – for several decades – until her death. She had three more besides Bobby Griffith. These are Joy, Nancy, and Ed Griffith. She is also survived by several grandchildren.

What happened to Mary Griffith?

Mary Griffith passed away on February 7, 2020, at 85. She died in her home in Walnut Creek, California, where she had raised Bobby and her other children. The LGBTQ rights activist had been ill for a long time.

Mary Griffith’s quick facts

Mary Griffith’s story is tragic yet inspirational and touching. Her son committed sui*cide after she refused to accept him for being gay because of her religious belief. However, the tragedy turned her life around, transforming her into one of the most vocal crusaders for LGBTQ rights. Sadly, she passed away in 2020 after a long illness.

Tuko.co.ke published an article about Brady Oestrike. Brady Oestrike is popularly known as the Craigslist Killer. He gained the infamous moniker after being suspected of killing a pregnant woman and her boyfriend – after having met them on Craigslist and arranging a “sex for cash” encounter.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

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