LGBTQ Parenting Year in Review 2018
LGBTQ parents and our children faced significant challenges to equality and inclusion in 2018—but there was still some progress. Here are the highlights of the year, both good and bad.
Entertainment
Might Doc McStuffins Creator’s Netflix Deal Mean More Queer Families on TV?
Award-winning producer and screenwriter Chris Nee (who also happens to be a lesbian mom)Â has signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to write and produce new series for preschoolers and all ages. Her Disney Junior show Doc McStuffins made headlines last year when it became the first show on the network to feature a two-mom family. Might Nee be bringing more queer families to our screens?
LGBTQ Parenting Roundup
Here’s what’s happening that I haven’t covered in depth elsewhere. Pull up a cup of coffee, tea, or other beverage and read on!
Here’s What’s Missing from Discussion of Bert and Ernie’s Relationship
I’ve been writing about Sesame Street’s need for LGBTQ inclusion for well over a decade, and been a fan since it first aired in 1969, when I was two. I was disappointed, however, by producer Sesame Workshop’s denial this week of a romantic relationship between Bert and Ernie, not only because that would be awesome, but also because they missed an opportunity to highlight the existing (though limited) queer inclusion on the show and to commit to more.
Xfinity Launches Kids & Family Collection with Mombian Recommendations and More
LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ media can be hard to come by. That’s why I’m tremendously excited that Xfinity On Demand has just launched a new Kids & Family collection within its LGBTQ Film & TV collection on Xfinity X1, so Xfinity customers can easily tune in to inclusive content for their kids. I’m also honored that they’re featuring Mombian Recommendations, including films, TV shows, vlogs, music, and more!
“The Fosters” Ends Tonight, After Five Years of Groundbreaking Queer Family Drama
The Fosters, Freeform’s drama about two moms and their family of biological, adopted, and foster kids, ends tonight after five years on our screens. A spinoff series focusing on their two daughters, Callie and Mariana, will launch next year. Will the moms be back? Let’s look at that, at what the show has meant to me as a lesbian mom, and (of course) a gallery of Stef and Lena.
LGBTQ Kids’ Songs, Stories, and Educational Videos Free and Online
Looking for LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ songs, video stories, and educational videos? There may be more than you think! I’ve updated my compilation of more than 350 videos for and about LGBTQ families, including songs and stories for young children!
“The Expanse” Cancellation Would Remove Two Queer Moms from our Screens
Critically acclaimed space opera The Expanse has been cancelled by Syfy after three seasons. Fans are trying to save the show, which includes not only a wonderfully multi-racial cast, but also a positive portrayal of queer moms.
14 LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids’ Books Featuring Animals to Read After Marlon Bundo
Comedian John Oliver made headlines this week with a new children’s book, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, released in response to A Day in the Life of the Vice President by Charlotte Pence, daughter of Vice President Mike Pence, and illustrated by his wife Karen. In Oliver’s version, Marlon falls in love with another boy bunny. But it’s hardly the only LGBTQ-inclusive children’s book starring animal characters.
Watch: Madam Secretary Character Comes Out as Bisexual Parent
This Sunday on CBS’ show Madam Secretary, the character Kat Sandoval (played by bisexual actor Sara Ramirez), will come out as both bisexual and a parent in an episode that also deals with international LGBTQ rights. Watch a clip.