Politics and Law Archives - Page 8 of 194

Respect for Marriage Act Passes Congress, But Queer Families Still Need Protections

December 9, 2022

The Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) has passed the U.S. House and now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature. The RMA is important legislation that clarifies rights and protections for same-sex and interracial marriages—but does not guarantee that all states will continue to let same-sex couples marry. It also does not remove the need for many LGBTQ parents to take additional steps to secure their legal parentage.

Reclaiming the Narrative: Think of the Children

December 5, 2022

Like many in the LGBTQ community, I am still grieving over those murdered at Club Q in Colorado Springs last month. I am also thinking about how much anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has created a climate in which such violence can germinate, and how much a purported concern over children’s well-being has played into that rhetoric. We need to reclaim the narrative of what it means to think of the children.

Massachusetts marriage equality quote, Chief Justice Margaret Marshall

November 18: the Queerest of Days

November 18, 2022

Sixteen years ago today, my spouse and I got legally married after 13 years together—three years to the day after the ruling that made Massachusetts the first U.S. state to have marriage equality. And today, the U.S. Senate could act on a bill to ensure that our marriage will remain legal. I can’t believe that’s even in question, but here we are. It’s a propitious date, however, for even more reasons.

U.S. Senate to Vote This Week on Respect for Marriage Act: Call Your Senators Now!

November 15, 2022

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on the Respect for Marriage Act, which would clarify important rights and protections in the face of threats to marriage equality. Please contact your senators NOW and urge them to pass this bill. Here’s why and what to do.

Becca Balint, Rebecca Wohl, and their children

More Than 50 LGBTQ Parents (and Grandparents) Elected Yesterday

November 9, 2022

Among the record-number of winning LGBTQ candidates in this year’s election are more than 50 parents, across the LGBTQ spectrum, many of whom are the first LGBTQ people to hold their offices. Let’s meet them.

Vote for Our Families

November 2, 2022

We have less than a week until the midterm elections, which could have a huge impact on LGBTQ families, among others. Here’s some key information to know before heading to the polls, and a reminder of what’s at stake.

Ancient Greek statue head on rainbow background

The History of LGBTQ Families Is Older Than You May Think

October 12, 2022

How far back can we trace the history of LGBTQ families? Consider: Sappho and Alexander the Great both likely fell under the big queer umbrella and had children. For LGBTQ History Month, then, here’s a little about the long history of LGBTQ families.

Renewing the Fight Against Book Banning

September 22, 2022

This week marks Banned Books Week, the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) annual celebration of the freedom to read—but this year feels more like a call to action than a celebration. Book bans and other attempts at censorship, largely targeting the LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, are raging across the country. Here’s what’s happening, how others are fighting back, and how you can help.

The LGBTQ-Inclusive Picture Books That Are Being Targeted for Bans

September 19, 2022

It’s Banned Books Week, during a year that has seen record numbers of bans and challenges. Let’s kick things off by looking at some of the picture books that have been targeted recently for being LGBTQ inclusive.

9/11: In Memoriam

September 11, 2022

It is not coincidental that shortly after September 11, 2001, my spouse and I began to talk seriously about having a child. Reposting my 9/11 story today, as I often do on this date.