Mark Bingham's Mom to Appear on Dr. Laura's Radio Show

In what's sure to be the most unusual matchup of the day, Alice Hoagland, mother of openly gay United Airlines Flight 93 hero Mark Bingham, is scheduled to appear on conservative talk-show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger's syndicated radio show on Wednesday, September 11--the one-year anniversary of her son's death.

A statement on Dr. Laura's Web site, www.drlaura.com, reads, "We are producing a series of special programs about 9/11. The focus of these shows will be stories of character and courage resulting from the events of 9/11."

Hoagland's appearance is surprising to many, since Schlessinger--who holds a degree in physiology--is known for her conservative views and once called homosexuality a "biological error." The Web site's description of Hoagland, interestingly, does not bring up Bingham's sexual orientation: "[Alice Hoagland's] son Mark Bingham was killed on United Flight 93. This is a special interview because Dr. Laura approaches it from a mother's point of view. Alice tells Dr. Laura how her life has changed--she is filled with hope and courage and promises to make a difference in the world."

Schlessinger's radio talk show is syndicated; check local listings for airtimes.