Sally Field writes about her gay son: “I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to have been allowed to be a part of Sam’s journey”

Last year, when Sally Field was nominated for an Academy Award and just about every other major acting prize for her performance in Lincoln,  her escort to the various ceremonies was her handsome young son, Sam Greisman.

The two-time Oscar winner and three-time Emmy winner writes about the youngest of her three sons in an open letter she has written on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign.

Here is an excerpt:

As his mother, I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to have been allowed to be a part of Sam’s journey and I’ve tried to be careful to never make his voice my voice, but with his approval, I’ve decided to get involved in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality by joining the Human Rights Campaign.

Sam knows that if he ever marries, he’ll have my full support. After all, I like to believe I raised him with the good sense to choose a great partner.

But there are people out there – organizations and politicians, strangers who have never even met Sam – who would rather devote themselves to denying his happiness.

Why would anyone want to prevent my son – or anyone’s son or daughter – from having basic legal safeguards like family medical leave, Social Security survivors benefits, or health insurance?

It doesn’t make any sense – but it won’t change until people speak out. I’m proud to stand with HRC to add my voice. Will you join me?

Whether you are LGBT yourself, a parent or grandparent of an LGBT child, or just a great person with strong convictions about what’s fair and right, I hope I’ve convinced you to stand with HRC for equality. You’ll be glad you did!