A simple, free form that gives both parents, regardless of gender, legal parentage of a child born to one of them, with the force of a court decree? Such a thing exists in a small but growing number of states, as the Associated Press recently reported. That’s terrific progress—but there’s still a long way to go before it’s a widespread option for securing parentage.
Today marks the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time to memorialize those who were killed because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. One lost would be too many—and there are dozens.
Yesterday’s election saw the first openly gay man—and gay dad—to win a governorship, the first lesbian mom to win election to Congress, and the first person with LGBTQ parents to win state or federal office.
Go vote! Now. Or after the kids are at school. Or when you pick them up, so they can come, too. Or on your way to work, from work, or on your lunch hour. Your vote matters because you matter.
When are you voting tomorrow? Do you have a plan? This could be one of the most critical elections in our lifetimes in terms of its impact on LGBTQ equality, reproductive rights, gun control, healthcare, education, immigration, separation of church and state, and so much more. We can’t sit this one out.
Despite a litany of hateful and harmful events in our country, this is not a time to despair, even though despair may be trying to peek in our windows. This is a time for action—and the best action we can take right now is to vote and enable others to vote as well.
This landscape is familiar, strewn with ash and blood. We’ve been here before, too often, seeking the living, counting our dead. I know the terrain, can pick my way stumbling over the bodies, the stench of fear and hatred lingering in the air; the thoughts and prayers; the headlines and statistics.
As a Jew and as a human, I have been saddened and angered today by the awful shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. And I wonder at the unending number of shootings in a country that is supposed to be a beacon of freedom and justice and ask myself: When will we have had enough?
Lots of great family stories this time, plus a few other bits of news from round and about. Have a read!
What’s the best way to keep years of progress towards LGBTQ equality from slipping away? Vote! In many states, you can do so right now. Here’s how!
