Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be fraught times for LGBTQ parents and our children, seemingly designed to underscore that our families are different. I try to see them, however, as opportunities to remind the world that queer families exist. By raising our voices on these days—or sometimes, simply being visible—we resist the attempts of those trying to ignore or eliminate us, and we welcome all who take on the mantle of parenthood.
It’s Lesbian Visibility Day, so here are a few tidbits of early visible lesbian mom history to honor those who went before us. (Plus a bonus photo of my own family being visible.)
Happy International Women’s Day to all women! The official theme for the year is #BalanceforBetter—but given the expanding notions of gender today, balancing gender is a many-body problem.
Today marks the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time to memorialize those who were killed because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. One lost would be too many—and there are dozens.
Pride Month is 30 days long, but the energy and inspiration we gain from it can last all year. Here, then, are some of the things I hope we LGBTQ parents can all experience during this season of rainbows to sustain us in times to come.
When Natalie Perry’s dad came out as gay to her, her older sister, and their mom 20 years ago, they all had to stay in the closet or he could have lost his job as a chief judge for the Idaho State Court of Appeals. Watch her TEDx talk on life as part of a closeted LGBTQ family.
Happy Father’s Day to all of you who are fathers, have fathers in your lives, or use Father’s Day to celebrate one of the parents in your family in whatever fashion works for you. Here are some things I like to keep in mind as a lesbian mom on Father’s Day.
How do we discuss LGBTQ identities and topics with kids? Several experts and parents have tackled this question in recent articles, looking at it from the perspective of LGBTQ parents, LGBTQ youth, and non-LGBTQ folks.
Happy Pride, all! As parents, we know what pride is from the moment we first see our children. As LGBTQ people and/or their children, we also know what Pride is. In celebration of both kinds of pride, please join me and Family Equality Council on Monday, June 4, for #LGBTQFamiliesDay! Here are the simple ways to get involved!
Abby Wambach, two-time Olympic soccer gold medalist and FIFA World Player of the Year (2012), who is also lesbian and (since her 2017 marriage to author Glennon Doyle Melton) a mom, gave the commencement speech at Barnard College earlier this month. It’s well worth watching for her advice and inspiration on life, career, community, and leadership.
