Susan Seiler: when hate got loud, she made love louder

Susan's story began in Madison, Wisconsin, where she was born on March 3, 1943.  She was one of eight children raised in Greendale, Wisconsin, where she and her family were some of the first residents. 

"My mother always told a story about her childhood," said Brian. "She was sitting on a curb in front of her favorite grandmother's house when an angel appeared to her. She told the angel she felt she wasn't supposed to be here on Earth yet, because she felt that she didn't belong. The angel assured her that she was here for a reason, and that she had things she needed to do here."

"The angel was right."

Susan was a professionally trained ballerina with a lifelong love of music and dance. She graduated Greendale High School in 1961 and attended University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Rody, and started a family with him in Madison. She raised three children and treasured her four grandchildren.

She worked a variety of full-time jobs, including Wisconsin Electric, Ambrosia Chocolate Factory, University Bank, East Bank, and the Internal Revenue Service. After her divorce, she married William Docken and moved to Waukesha. She joined Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, where she became an office manager and secretary for over 25 years. She also served as deacon, treasurer, and youth leader. Being part of a faith community was one of the greatest joys of her life. Susan was also a longtime volunteer at the Hope Center of Waukesha.

"I came when I was in college," said Brian, "and the first thing my mother said to me, while crying, was 'I'm not crying because you are gay. I'm crying because I'm sad for you. I'm sad for all the pain and struggling you've had to endure, for so many years, without anyone to talk to, because you felt as if you couldn't tell us for fear of rejection."

"That meant the world to me, and at that moment, I knew I was free to be me."

Inspired by her son Brian's bravery, she founded the Waukesha chapter of PFLAG and served as president for many years. In 1996, she was attending PrideFest Milwaukee at its new Summerfest grounds home when she discovered something shocking.

"I was walking past the main gate when I saw all these hateful signs," said Susan. "It was horrifying. I laid in bed the next morning thinking, what can I do? What can one person do? Someone has to do something."

Susan decided to be the difference.  She knew that words hurt. So, she would stand up to the hate with words of love. She was going to protest the protestors!

The next morning, she woke up with these words in her head: "God blessed me with a gay son." She immediately went out and bought the materials to make a sign in the colors of the rainbow. She bravely stood right in front of them, blocking their access to attendees, and guiding visitors into the festival safely.  

She began marching in pride parades in Milwaukee and Chicago, attending both events for over a decade. Year after year after year, guests would take their annual picture with Susan at the PrideFest gates.  It was a tradition that meant a lot to them.

"This woman was so amazing and inspirational. I think she deserves some recognition! This photo marked an amazing moment for me at my first Pridefest," said Katie Lynn Mueller in 2015, sharing her photo with Susan.

"It was more than just hugs of appreciation," said Brian. "Some people told Susan that they'd saved their lives after contemplating suicide. Her kindness made all the difference."

When Lady Gaga debuted "Born This Way," Susan updated the sign to read "God Blessed Me With a Gay Son - He Was Born That way."

In 2016, Susan was honored by Mayor Tom Barrett, who declared June 10, 2016 as "Susan Seiler Day" throughout the city of Milwaukee. The Board of Directors of PrideFest Milwaukee honored Susan with a Pride Award.  She was welcomed onstage by Senator Tammy Baldwin at opening ceremonies, where she received thunderous applause.