Dr. Cheri A. Pies, whose 1985 book, Considering Parenthood: A Workbook for Lesbians, helped innumerable queer women become parents during the “gayby boom” of the 1980s, died from cancer on July 4 at the age of 73. If you don’t know her name yet, you should; in many ways, all of us queer parents who came after have benefited from her work, whether we know it or not.
Adults with LGBTQ parents have been in the media lately talking about the varied meanings of genetic connections and donor kin, facing discrimination, the pressure to conform, finding community, and advocating for themselves and their families. Take a look at these good reads!
Dr. Susan Love, one of the world’s foremost breast cancer researchers and a visionary leader in breast cancer advocacy, died at age 75 on July 2, 2023. In 1993, Love and her partner (later wife) were also the first same-sex parents in Massachusetts to both be named legal parents of their child, a case later cited in support of the state’s landmark marriage equality ruling.
Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld is the first out LGBTQ person to become president of the American Medical Association (AMA). In his inaugural speech yesterday, he drew on his experience as a gay dad with a newborn son to highlight “inequities and injustices in medicine.” He also urged fighting the “criminalization of care,” a reference to bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth.
Glamour UK’s Pride cover features transgender man Logan Brown, who was pregnant at the time and is now a dad. He spoke with them about his experience of pregnancy, birth, and being a trans parent. Click through to see the cover image and learn more.
My spouse Helen and I chatted recently with Jaimie Kelton of The Queer Family Podcast about our path to parenthood via reciprocal IVF, having a son who’s now in college, why I started this blog, and more. Have a listen!
I still remember the first time it happened, when my son was in preschool in the early aughts. I’ve shared this story before, but not for a while. As we approach the season of parenting holidays, I thought I’d do so again.
Jen Ellis, the Vermont teacher who created the mittens that Senator Bernie Sanders wore in his now-famous photo, has written a surprisingly moving memoir not only about how that happened, but also how it ties into her wider story of coming out, becoming a parent, the power of crafting, and the magic of generosity.
My spouse Helen and I recently celebrated our 30th anniversary. At a time when the LGBTQ community is being attacked on all sides, this personal milestone also reminded me that despite the many challenges for LGBTQ folks right now, progress can happen and queer joy is real.
Pete Buttigieg, secretary of transportation and gay dad, spoke to ABC Audio’s podcast Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson about starting his family, what parenthood is like for him, responding to criticism about his family, and more! Have a listen!
