Betty Fairchild, 89, a longtime friend and supporter of the LGBT community, died Nov. 7 in Dallas
In the 1970s, Fairchild was a founding member of the Washington, D.C., and Denver chapters of PFLAG. Her experience with the gay community and PFLAG, as well as her passion for writing, led her to co-author Now That You Know — A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children, published in 1979. The book was one of the first to openly address the issues and concerns for parents and helped countless families through the coming out process.
In 1981, Fairchild fulfilled a longtime dream and moved to San Francisco, where she lived for 20 years. There she continued her involvement with the community, walked in her beloved Golden Gate Park and, in her 70s, discovered an interest in and talent for water colors, becoming an accomplished painter. She continued to paint until her death.
Fairchild spent her final years in Dallas near her oldest daughter Elizabeth. She also had two sons, Blaine and Brian, and a second daughter, Barbara.  She loved and accepted all of her children for their unique gifts, talents and qualities.
The family asks that contributions in memory of Betty Fairchild be made to VITAS Hospice Care, 8585 Stemmons Frwy., Ste. 700, South Tower, Dallas, Texas 75247, or to Pearl Nordan Care Center, Juliette Fowler Homes, Inc., 1234 Abrams Road, Dallas, Texas 75214.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 12, 2010.