In the family way

By ALAN PEPPARD / The Dallas Morning News
March 3, 2002

There were no dry eyes at Saturday night's Dallas Collection auction when DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) presented its Profile Award to gay couple Jon and Michael Galluccio, whose landmark adoption lawsuit against the state of New Jersey inspired their book, American Family.

The two men had been foster parents to crack-addicted, HIV-positive babies. When they tried to adopt the children as a couple, the state of New Jersey objected. The two men won in court. Their family now includes three children and one grandchild.

"A lot of people say we've made such a difference in these children's lives," Jon says. "The truth is that they've made such a difference in our lives."

Adds Michael, "Love conquers all."