Many of us have been in this situation: Returning to the U.S. from a family vacation abroad, we stand in the customs line with partner and kid(s), only to be separated when it is our turn and the customs agent only allows “one family at a time”—meaning “only one federally recognized family.” Suddenly, all of our vacation relaxation is gone.
That will soon change.
Only two out of ten elementary school students have learned about same-sex-headed families, according to a new study commissioned by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Combine this with the fact that same-sex families with children live in 96 percent of counties in the United States, and we clearly have a failure to teach children about the world and people around them.
Like many of you, I have been reading extensively—and sadly—about the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American student. Some of the most insightful pieces I’ve found have come from parents—whose families cover a range of color.
This week’s pick, “(An)Other Mother,” comes from Partner A at Cats and Cradles. In it, she reflects on life as a non-gestational mother, a term she prefers to “non-biological mother.” Now, posts about being a non-gestational/non-biological mother are not uncommon. Heck, there are whole blogs and even whole books on the topic. But Partner A offers some wonderful insights to add to the conversation.
In the Life Media has posted an “It Gets Better” video featuring parents of transgender children. In the video, the parents, members of PFLAG’s support group for families of transgender children, “share their personal struggles to understand their child’s needs and find support for both themselves and their families.”
I haven’t posted a recipe in a while, so here’s one I made this past weekend for the Massachusetts State Muffin (corn). It’s enhanced by the Massachusetts State Fruit (cranberries), and sweetened by that most New England of sweeteners, maple syrup. If I were to put any more New England in it, I’d have to add clams—but don’t worry, I won’t.
A very happy Mothering Sunday to my readers in the U.K. and other countries that are celebrating it today. Here in the U.S., our Mother’s Day isn’t until May, but at Mombian, of course, every day is Mother’s Day (or Mothers’ Day, depending on your relationship status), so have a great day no matter where you live.
This week’s selection, “Breathing Room,” comes from Lyn, who blogs with her partner Gail at First Time, Second Time. Lyn and Gail are both mathematicians, fell in love at Math Camp, and seem to favor the number two. They describe themselves as “two lesbian moms who created an intentional family via donor conception. We’ve both given birth, both been NGP’s (non-gestational parents), both nursed, both worked for pay, and both stayed at home with kids.”
I chose “Breathing Room” because it shines a light on one of the less-discussed transitions of family life, when children leave early childhood and parents are able to take a little more time for themselves and each other.
Sometimes a story about an LGBT family comes along that really stands out for its warmth, understanding, and optimism. Today, NPR’s StoryCorps ran “A Mom Becomes A Man, And A Family Sticks Together,”about Les GrantSmith, a transgender man, his husband Scott, and their two daughters. It’s a wonderful account that stays consistently positive without hiding the challenges the family faced. Here’s the lovely beginning:
Washington State residents John and Dorothy Reitan, who have two gay grandsons, speak up on behalf of marriage equality in this charming video. The Reitans should know a thing or two about marriage, having been married for 70 years. John Reitan is also a pastor and World War II Navy veteran.
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire (D) signed marriage equality into law February 13, 2012, but opponents are trying to prevent it from going into effect in June by forcing it to a referendum in November.
If more families felt like the Reitans, we wouldn’t need to worry.
