“Radical Relations”: A History of Lesbian and Gay Parents
The history of out lesbian and gay parents started decades before the term “gayby boom” was coined in 1990. A new book charts that history—so of course I had to review it.
Representing
Tell the World Why We Need Diverse Books
Most of us LGBT parents will agree, I think, that we need more LGBT-inclusive children’s books — and more inclusive books across various dimensions of diversity. That’s why I’m so excited that a wonderful group of writers and publishers has created the “We Need Diverse Books” campaign to “to raise our voices into a roar that can’t be ignored.” All they need now is people’s participation.
Watch: The Fosters Summer Premiere Trailer
It’s in the 40s here in the Boston area and barely feels like spring, much less summer. Here’s the trailer for The Fosters summer premiere, though, to put a little warmth in your day.
Classic Film About Lesbian Mothers Now on DVD
The Fosters, ABC Family’s drama about two moms raising their five children, ended its very successful first season at the end of March. But The Fosters — and many real-life two-mom families — owe a debt of gratitude to a film that premiered 30 years ago and is now newly remastered and available on DVD: Choosing Children, the first documentary to look at lesbians who became parents after coming out.
Cosmos Shows How to Do Equity
I admit it. I’m an unabashed fan of Cosmos. The original version of the science show won my heart during my teen years, and was in large part responsible for my becoming an astronomy major in college (and then going on to study medieval cosmology in grad school). I was skeptical of the recent reboot, just because reboots are always iffy — but it has won my heart, not only for its science, but for its seamless effort towards equity.
Help Shape Family Equality — and See Some Films About Our Families
The Family Equality Council wants your help in shaping what the organization will do in the future. I hope you’ll take a few minutes and take their 2014 survey to share your experiences and priorities with them. Then read on to hear about some of the films about lesbian and gay families that they’re involved in developing and promoting.
Young Adult Dystopian Film May Feature Gay Dads
“Why don’t we see LGBT parents portrayed in children’s films?” asks Guardian writer Joanna Benecke. Good question — an extension of the question I’ve been asking about children’s television for some time now. Benecke offers us a glimpse of hope, though, and the news that an upcoming feature film for young adults will likely feature a boy with gay dads.
The Fosters Ends 1st Season with Love and Surprises
The Fosters, ABC Family’s acclaimed drama about lesbian moms Stef and Lena and their growing multi-ethnic family, ended its first season last night with a joyous adoption and some unexpected plot twists (which I won’t mention in case any of you haven’t seen it yet). The episode was full of both the teen and lesbian mom drama we’ve come to expect — my only criticism is that we have to wait till June 16 for more. The show’s marketing team, however, let a little bit slip about what to expect in 84 days when Season Two begins.
Two New Memoirs Show Transformative Power of Parenthood
Two new, very different memoirs continue to expand our sense of what an LGBT family looks like. One is the story of a lesbian mom struggling against her son’s anti-gay Catholic school while grappling with her relationship to the Church and to her own mother. The other is about a butch lesbian and her experience being pregnant—the print version of a graphic novel first serialized online.
New Gay-Inclusive Children’s Book Gives Old Themes Fresh Twist
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: In a children’s fairy-tale story, a noble young man may marry a princess, but chooses her brother the prince instead. That’s right, it’s the plot of King and King, Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland’s 2003 picture book. It’s also a major part of Daniel Errico’s The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived, a recent addition to the LGBT-inclusive children’s book genre. Does the new book bring anything new to the table?