Queer Parenting in a Cishet World
Inspiration from 5 Early Lesbian Parenting Books
In honor of Lesbian Visibility Day, here are some inspiring quotes from lesbian parenting books published in the 1980s through early 2000s. While these books are in many ways outdated, they still convey something of the spirit and long history of lesbian parenthood, and are reminders of those on whose shoulders we stand.
Fighting Daily Bias & Misunderstanding
One Tyke and You’re Out
Even though I was out before becoming a parent, having a kid meant being out to people I would never have shared anything with, about my queerness or otherwise. One toddler call of “Mommy and Mama!” in the supermarket, however, and everyone could see our rainbow halo.
Explaining Our Families to Our Kids
Dinosaurs, Discrimination, and Tackling Tough Topics With Our Children
This ran in my newspaper column in 2007 but I somehow never posted it here. I think it’s still relevant as we LGBTQ parents and our children navigate issues of difference and bias.
Reflections on Parenthood
Waffles and Rollercoasters: Mother’s Day Reflections from a Queer Mom
When my son was 7, I asked what he thought I should write about for Mother’s Day, and he said, “Tell them that having two moms is just like having two people of any kind take care of you, except it’s more work on Mother’s Day.”
Social Justice
Resources for Talking With Kids About Race and Racism on MLK Day and All Year Long
As we honor Dr. King today, I hope we put his words into action throughout the year. Here’s my revised list of resources for talking with kids about both the holiday and about race and racism—conversations we should be having regularly.
Other Topics
A Parent By Any Other Name: What Kids Call Their LGBTQ Parents (2024 Update)
One of the most frequent questions I’ve heard from prospective LGBTQ parents is “What should our kids call us?” Here are just a few of the 400+ real-life names—and the stories behind them—that people have shared with the Mombian LGBTQ Parental Names Project since it began in 2011. Have a read and add your own!
External Resources
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Links to external sites are provided for informational purposes only, and do not imply any association with, approval of, or endorsement of, said sites by Mombian. I try to list sites that are relevant, but cannot fully screen them all. If you find a link that is not working or is miscategorized, please let me know.
