Antoinette Jones is “JoJo.” The New Orleans mother of three and grandmother of four is often called Nanny.  Upon making a pivotal move to Atlanta, GA in 2000 it was revealed that a young and close relative was gay.  Shock, anger and disappointment shook her willingness to accept this new discovery.  “I thought by chastising, praying for and instating hard discipline on the young man, it would change him.” JoJo admits.  “After this, what else could be more devastating?” Ironically, years later others in her family came out too.

“I blamed myself. Blamed Atlanta. Blamed the kid’s new friends and even God!” She recounts. The soul-searching, praying, talking to the youth’s friends, and her own friends didn’t aid in figuring out what she and her family did wrong. She was a parent. What would happen if her kids became members of the gay community?  What would that say about her? Was she wrong for thinking this way? Was she a prejudice person? Did people think about her and her family members negatively? There was a bag of mixed emotions crowded in her heart.  After a deep conversation with a local gay young man an awakening began. JoJo realized that people didn’t need to change who they were. Instead, it was JoJo that needed that change. This is where her journey began.  Putting away judgment, guilt, shame, and blame taught her to love her children, the other young relatives and struggling youth unconditionally. Afterall, she was a teenage mother herself and struggled through her adolescent years. So, she abandoned the idea of what she wanted these young people to become and embraced them for who they truly were.

In the LGBTQ+ community, youth as well as many men and women, sometimes have absolutely no communication with their families. It is because of their sexual identity, declaration or affiliation that they suffer isolation and oftentimes abuse from those closest to them.  “Traditionally, when a mom, aunt or grandmother is an advocate and confidant for a LGBTQ+ child, there is a higher chance of social success outside of the home. Although the world is harsh; knowing a mom is in your corner gives a child hope and a power to combat the injustices they will face. This is why I founded and champion Moms Against Homophobia MAH.”

MAH is an organization seeking to bridge the gap between moms and their kids in the LGBTQ+ community.  As an extension of LGBTQ+ family, we provide mediation, one on one coaching, group coaching, seminars and retreats in a safe space without judgment.  MAH focuses on rebuilding relationships, educating, and assisting with outside resources to create joy, peace, connection and simply LOVE.

In the community “JoJo the Nanny” is respected for her commitment to allyship around the United States and specifically with LGBTQ+ People of Color.  The relationships fostered with her own children and relatives are a testament that counseling, communication and love are concrete steps to reconciliation. She has lived it, she is still learning, and this is her labor of love.

Moms Against Homophobia.  There is no better teacher than life’s experience.