Degrees of Freedom
Reading the international headlines recently, I was reminded how LGBT rights around the world are at vastly different points of development.
The Homophone: A New Device for Communicating the Gay Agenda
A social-media specialist for a Utah-based English language learning center was fired after he wrote a blog post about homophones — words that sound the same but differ in meaning and often spelling — because the school owner thought it implied that the school was “associated with homosexuality.” (I’m guessing the fact that a language school is full of cunning linguists probably never occurred to them — though one probably can’t get homogenized milk in the cafeteria there.) Lucky for us, however, a new electronics company has come out with the Homophoneâ„¢, a device specifically designed for communicating the Gay Agenda.
Does Harry Potter Help Reduce Hate?
Today is the birthday of both Harry Potter and his creator, author J.K. Rowling. I’m an unashamed Potterhead, for many reasons, and was thrilled to see results of a new academic study indicating that reading the Harry Potter series can help reduce prejudices.
How the Makers of D&D Won My Family’s Heart
A few weeks ago I posted about the new rules for Dungeons & Dragons that are explicitly inclusive of characters with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. I also promised to tell a personal story about an encounter with the people at Wizards of the Coast, the makers of D&D. Here it is.
Yes, Virginia, There Is an Equality Clause
Yesterday, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Virginia’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples violates the 14th Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. That paves the way for Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to allow same-sex couples to marry.
Watch: Short Films Celebrating Black Queer Motherhood
While visiting the San Francisco Bay Area this past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful screening of four short films about Black queer motherhood. The even was hosted by Sistah Sinema, a multi-city network for Queer Women of Color cinema. Learn more and watch one of the films (from 1983!) after the jump.
Two-Mom Military Families Showcased by American Military Partner Association
The American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation’s largest organization for partners, spouses, families, and allies of LGBT military and veterans, has showcased two two-mom families this week. I’m proud to say I know one of them.
Looking Back from a Milestone
My son finished elementary school this month, and while he seems to be approaching the idea of middle school with aplomb (or at least with the casual coolness of which 11-year-olds seem capable), I’m having a bad case of nostalgia right now. We’re at a family milestone, but I remind myself that such milestones are only the most prominent markers along a path full of signs and wonders.
Help Pastor and Lesbian Mom Cover Church with Pride Flags in Response to Theft
The First Church Congregational in Rochester, New Hampshire, part of the United Church of Christ (UCC), has had two rainbow Pride flags stolen in the past week. In response, Pastor Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, who is raising two children with her spouse Marcey, is asking for people to send them rainbow flags so they can cover the church building and lawn with them.
Let’s Meet at BlogHer!
I’m heading off this week to the exceptionally awesome 10th Anniversary BlogHer Conference in San Jose, where I’ll be on a panel about “Mom Blogging: The Next 10 Years.” Will you be at the conference? Drop me a note and let’s meet up!