LGBTQ Parenting Roundup
Let’s roundup some stories I haven’t already covered—including, unfortunately, the progress of anti-LGBTQ bills in several states in the past week.
Advocating
New Chicago Mayor Is City’s First Black, Woman Mayor, and Also a Lesbian Mom
In a historic victory, Lori Lightfoot last night was elected mayor of Chicago, becoming the city’s first Black woman mayor, its first openly LGBTQ mayor, and the first openly LGBTQ woman of color to be elected mayor in any of America’s 100 largest cities. She’s also a proud lesbian raising a 10-year-old daughter with her spouse Amy Eshleman.
Arizona Sued Over Anti-LGBTQ Curriculum Law
Arizona law currently bans any instruction in its HIV/AIDS health curriculum that “Promotes a homosexual life-style,” “Portrays homosexuality as a positive alternative life-style,” or “Suggests that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex.” Several LGBTQ advocacy organizations are suing to change the harmful, archaic, and potentially deadly law.
Of Budget and Bias
President Trump’s proposed 2020 budget, released March 11, reinforces his intention to let foster care and adoption agencies discriminate against LGBTQ people and others in the name of religion, using taxpayer money. There is legislation pending that could stop these religious exemptions to nondiscrimination laws, however. Here’s what you need to know.
Rhode Island Parents Testify for Bills to Recognize and Protect All Families
Many queer parents and allies turned out at a Rhode Island House hearing last week to testify in support of two bills that would make it easier for parents of any gender, married or not, to establish legal parentage of a child born through assisted reproduction and to streamline the process of second-parent adoptions.
Michigan Cannot Fund Adoption Agencies that Discriminate Against LGBTQ People, Settlement Agrees
Two foster care and adoption agencies were violating Michigan’s nondiscrimination laws by refusing to work with same-sex couples, per the settlement of a case announced today by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Connecticut “Kid Governor” Speaks About Her LGBTQ Equality Platform
Connecticut’s newest “Kid Governor”—chosen by fifth graders last November as part of a statewide civics program—is 11-year-old Ella Briggs, who’s proudly lesbian and ran on a platform of LGBTQ Youth Safety. The Connecticut Mirror just did a nice profile and video of her, so have a look and meet one of the young LGBTQ leaders making change today.
What Is Your Community Like for LGBTQ Families?
Who’s in your family? What’s going well for LGBTQ families where you live? Where would you like to see growth and progress? Family Equality Council and COLAGE have launched their annual Community Needs Survey, and they want to hear from you (and your kids)! (You could also win an Amazon gift card for participating.)
Share Your Story to Stop Adoption Discrimination
It’s legal to discriminate against LGBTQ parents, Jewish parents, and others in adoption and foster care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Just claim that serving them goes against your religious beliefs. A coalition of LGBTQ, civil rights, child welfare, and faith organizations is fighting this, however—but they need your stories to help change hearts and minds at an upcoming Congressional hearing.
Tennessee Bills Target LGBTQ People; Would Harm Children and Families
A slew of bills in the Tennessee Legislature target LGBTQ individuals and their children, as well as children in need of homes, in an onslaught of hate and discrimination.