2 Queer Parents Won Nobel Prizes This Week: Why Does This Matter?
I’m still excited over this week’s two—TWO!—Nobel laureates (Carolyn Bertozzi and Svante Pääbo) who are also queer parents. Why does this matter?
Raising
Bisexual Dad Wins Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine
That’s right. This year has seen not one, but two queer parents winning Nobel Prizes! Svante Pääbo is this year’s Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, for his discoveries concerning the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution. He’s also a bisexual dad.
Lesbian Mom Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Another entry for the “queer parents can do anything” files: Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, a professor at Stanford University, has won this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the 59th woman to win the prize (versus more than 800 men). She’s also a lesbian mom.
Two New Memoirs Explore Queer Families
Two new memoirs offer differing looks at queer families. In one, the author reflects on the coming out not only of her and her two siblings (as lesbian, bi, and trans, respectively), but of their dad as gay. In another, the author shares her story of navigating infertility, miscarriage, breast cancer, separation, and adoption.
STEM Learning and a Nonbinary Protagonist Create “Something Great”
Something Great … is simply great! A nonbinary child stars in this story of STEM thinking, creativity, and friendship that refreshingly is not “about” their queer identity. Author/illustrator Jeanette Bradley was kind enough to share a little about her inspiration and influences.
Library Hosting Free, Virtual, LGBTQ-Inclusive Event Tomorrow for Kids Anywhere
LGBTQ+ kids, those with LGBTQ+ parents, and allies, in grades K through 5, are invited to a free, virtual program tomorrow to “meet new friends, discover LGBTQ+ books, enjoy activities and special guests, and discuss gender and identity issues in a safe space.” The monthly program, hosted by a library in Pennsylvania, is open to children anywhere!
Happy Rosh Hashanah!
Shana tova u’metukah—a good and sweet year—to all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah today! Here are some readings and recipes for queer families and others during the High Holiday season, including the apple-cinnamon challah pictured here!
“Banned Together” Auction Is Raising Funds to Send LGBTQ-Inclusive Books to Schools
Non-profit Pride and Less Prejudice, which has donated over 7,500 LGBTQ-inclusive picture books to elementary school classrooms in the U.S. and Canada since its founding in 2019, is holding a virtual auction through this weekend so they can send 800 more. Check out some of the amazing offerings!
Happy Bi Visibility Day to the Millions of Bi Parents!
Wishing a very happy day to the millions (yes, millions!) of bi parents, who comprise about two-thirds of all LGB parents! Read on for more for and about bi parents!
Cruising Through Parenthood: 2 Moms, 2 Boats, 19 Years
My spouse Helen and I recently returned from a trip to Iceland with Olivia Travel, a company catering to LGBTQ women. Our previous trip with them was when our son was six months old. He’s now in his second year of college. I’ve therefore been reflecting on lessons about family and parenting that I’ve learned from each of those voyages.