Mombian

How the Makers of D&D Won My Family’s Heart

July 30, 2014 • No comments

A few weeks ago I posted about the new rules for Dungeons & Dragons that are explicitly inclusive of characters with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. I also promised to tell a personal story about an encounter with the people at Wizards of the Coast, the makers of D&D. Here it is.

In Travel

Yes, Virginia, There Is an Equality Clause

July 29, 2014 • No comments

Yesterday, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Virginia’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples violates the 14th Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. That paves the way for Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to allow same-sex couples to marry.

In Politics and Law

Watch: Short Films Celebrating Black Queer Motherhood

July 28, 2014 • No comments

While visiting the San Francisco Bay Area this past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful screening of four short films about Black queer motherhood. The even was hosted by Sistah Sinema, a multi-city network for Queer Women of Color cinema. Learn more and watch one of the films (from 1983!) after the jump.

In Entertainment, Parenting

Two-Mom Military Families Showcased by American Military Partner Association

July 25, 2014 • No comments

The American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation’s largest organization for partners, spouses, families, and allies of LGBT military and veterans, has showcased two two-mom families this week. I’m proud to say I know one of them.

In Family Profiles

Looking Back from a Milestone

July 24, 2014 • 1 comment

My son finished elementary school this month, and while he seems to be approaching the idea of middle school with aplomb (or at least with the casual coolness of which 11-year-olds seem capable), I’m having a bad case of nostalgia right now. We’re at a family milestone, but I remind myself that such milestones are only the most prominent markers along a path full of signs and wonders.

In Child Development

Australian Senate Opposition Leader (and a Lesbian Mom) Speaks Against Homophobia

July 22, 2014 • No comments

Australian Senator for South Australia and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Penny Wong, last week gave a pointed Senate speech against homophobia in sports, schools, and elsewhere.

In Politics and Law

Workplace Nondiscrimination Executive Order Brings Protections to More, But Not All

July 21, 2014 • No comments

I didn’t want to let the day pass without an acknowledgment of the historic signing by President Obama of an executive order to ban federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The order also added “gender identity” to an executive order of President Clinton that banned discrimination against federal employees on the basis of sexual orientation. Today’s order will directly benefit many LGBTQ people and their families — but it isn’t enough.

In Politics and Law, Working

Yes, Children Are Making their Mark on Marriage Equality

July 21, 2014 • No comments

Last month, I wrote, “It used to be that ‘Think of the children!’ was an argument against marriage equality. Now that’s an argument for it,” as ruling after ruling after ruling for marriage equality has heavily weighed the interests of children. A Reuters article yesterday covered the same theme.

In Politics and Law

English Soccer Star: “Why Being a Gay Mum Can Help My England Career”

July 21, 2014 • No comments

Think you’re a soccer mom? Casey Stoney, who captained England’s football (soccer) team in the last Olympics, is expecting twins with her partner Megan Harris, who was also a professional player. Now THEY are going to be soccer moms.