My chat with the real-life Philomena

When I was introduced to Philomena Lee last weekend at the BAFTA-LA Tea Party, I wanted to give her a hug.

I didn’t because I didn’t want to make a fool of myself!

But I wanted to hug her because I felt so much for all she had been through. Being forced to give up her son by Catholic nuns who then blocked her – and him – from ever meeting each other.

She finally tracked him down only to learn that he had died years earlier of AIDS and he had gone to Ireland three times in search of his mother. He even asked to be buried at the convent where she gave birth to him.

Lee is played by Judi Dench in the movie Philomena which was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture yesterday. Dench also earned a nomination for best actress and her co-star Steve Coogan for adapted screenplay.

I’m going to send you over to Gay Star News to read my story about this remarkably strong woman.

Here is a LINK to our interview.