Reading on Racism
I’ve been continuing to read many articles written lately about the deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Jr. and others, and about racism in our country generally. Here are a few I’ve found particularly insightful.
Advocating
Facing Injustice for Eric Garner
I’m furious today and thinking about race. Barely a week after a grand jury in Missouri refused to indict a White police officer in the shooting death of a Black teen, a grand jury in New York refused to indict a White police officer in the choking death of Eric Garner, a Black man and father of six.
Boy in Viral Ferguson Photo Has Two Moms
You’ve probably seen the photo: a young Black boy exchanging a tearful hug with a White police officer at a protest about the shooting of a Black teen in Ferguson, Missouri. It was a small moment of hope at an otherwise bleak time. But did you know that the boy, 12-year-old Devonte Hart, has two moms?
Nearly 14,000 More Kids Now in States Where Parents Can Marry
Marriage equality is continuing to sweep through the South, and the latest spate of federal rulings mean that nearly 14,000 more children of same-sex parents now live in states where their parents can marry.
Wishing Peace for Ferguson and Racial Justice Everywhere
I am angry, and sad, and frustrated today. My thoughts are with the people of Ferguson, Missouri, especially the family of Michael Brown, as a grand jury chose not to indict Darren Wilson, the police officer charged in the shooting death of the teen. Let us not forget that we must all continue to work together for racial justice.
LGBTQ Parenting Roundup
It’s time for another roundup of LGBTQ parenting news! Here are a few of the stories I haven’t covered already.
A Veterans Day for All
Not only is today Veterans Day, but this month is Military Family Month. I’m celebrating my favorite veteran, my spouse (who shared her story last Veterans Day), but also thinking about the currently serving military families among my extended family and friends.
Watch: Two Moms and Daughter on “Who We Are As Southerners”
Jessica and Chi are two moms living in Alabama with their seven-year-old daughter. They married in Connecticut last year, but their marriage is not recognized by the state where they live, work, and go to church. Watch them tell their story.
Pregnant Woman with Dying Partner Pleads to Marry
Liz Molina is dying of cervical cancer. Her partner Joan Rodriguez is pregnant with their son, but it is unclear if Liz will live to see his birth in November. Even if she does, her name will not appear on his birth certificate, and he will not be entitled to any legal benefits — they live in Florida, and the two women cannot marry.
For Same-Sex Parents in Military, Challenges Remain
Marriage equality is sweeping the nation (32 states and counting!), and LGB people have been able to serve openly in the U.S. military since 2011. Same-sex military parents and their children still face challenges, however.