LGBT Parenting Roundup
Personal stories, political moves, and celebrity news I haven’t covered elsewhere (or that bear repeating).
Advocating
Did You Know? Same-Sex Parents Can Take FMLA Leave Even If Not Legal Parent
Today is the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), so it’s the perfect time to remind folks that FMLA allows people to take time off to care for a child (biological or adoptive) who is legally the child of a same-sex partner—that is, even if you are not on the child’s birth certificate or haven’t done a second-parent adoption. Here’s the story of two lesbian moms who used FMLA leave, despite having to be extra prepared to explain matters to their employer.
Wanted: Your Family and Medical Leave Stories
Twenty years ago, on February 5, 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, allowing eligible employees to take time off to care for new children (biological or adopted) or family members with medical problems. The FMLA even allows employees to take time for a new child even if you are not the legal parent—but does not cover same-sex spouses or partners. The Family Equality Council is therefore collecting stories, good and bad, about how LGBT people have used—or been denied—FMLA. They want yours! Here’s how to submit your story.
Lesbian Mom Named Fort Bragg “Military Spouse of the Year”
I wrote in December about Ashley Broadway, the legally wed spouse of Army Lieutenant Colonel Heather Mack, who was told by the Officers’ Spouse Club (OSC) at Fort Bragg in North Carolina that she did not qualify to be a member. After pressure from the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, however, the club (a private organization affiliated with the base) changed its mind and offered her full membership last Friday—just hours after she was named the Fort Bragg “Military Spouse of the Year” in a contest run by Military Spouse magazine.
We’re All In This Together
I was thrilled to see that the same book won the American Library Association’s top honors Monday for both the LGBT- and Latino-related children’s book awards, proving that one book can address multiple aspects of identity (and countering the prevalent media impression that the LGBT community is predominantly White). It just so happens, too, that the intersecting of identities is a major theme in LGBT politics this week.
Pro Basketball Star with Two Moms Delights Kid with Two Moms
I posted Monday about basketball star Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, who spoke out on behalf of his two moms and in favor of civil unions (and marriage equality) in Colorado. That’s cool—but it turns out he’s even cooler. Reader Fran Simon, who is herself working to help pass the civil union bill, sent me a fun story about her family meeting Faried. I’m sharing it here, with her permission.
Basketball Star Speaks Out for Two Mothers, Marriage
Basketball star Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets has two moms, as we found out a couple of years ago. He recently made a video with them for One Colorado, the state LGBT advocacy group that is leading the fight for civil unions in that state. “Nobody can ever tell me I can’t have two mothers, because I really do,” he said. Watch:
Rhode Island One Step Closer to Marriage Equality
As a New Englander bred, I was delighted today to see the Rhode Island House pass a marriage equality bill 51-19. The Senate must vote on it next. If passed, Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) has promised to sign it.
Inaugural Words
Did you hear or read Richard Blanco’s inaugural poem, “One Today”? I’ve been rereading it and marveling at its peaceful message of inclusivity; the balance of personal experience and sweeping view; the message of hope.
Oxford Union Members Glad to Have Gay Parents
The Oxford Union Society, the venerable debating society whose membership comes mostly from Oxford University, held a debate yesterday on the motion, “This house would be glad to have gay parents.” The motion passed, 345 to 21—but not without controversy. Those arguing in favor of the motion were Benjamin Cohen, founder of PinkNews.co.uk and Out4Marriage, Richard Fairbass,