Straight Parent, Gay Kid
You Are What You Eat: Chick-fil-A
In the past, the restaurant chain Chic-fil-A has ruffled the feathers of its potential liberal clientele because of its known reputation donating to anti-gay Christian organizations such as The Salvation Army, Paul Anderson Youth Homes, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. CEO Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A, founded in 1946, does not believe in gay marriage….
Transgender Awareness Week Is Almost Over, But The Fight For Transgender Equality Persists
Each year, Transgender Awareness Week is November 13-19. It’s a time for transgender people and their allies to highlight the community, share their stories and talk about the issues they face daily such as discrimination in health care, housing, workplace, at school, in restaurants, restrooms, airport, and interactions with law enforcement. It’s a chance to…
November is Adoption Month, But NOT for Everyone
There are approximately 125,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. The Williams Institute of Law at U.C.L.A. reports that 114,000 same-sex couples in the U.S. are raising kids and many of them have become parents through adoption or fostering. Or surrogacy for that matter. Seems like a match made…
Should You Bring Your LGBT Significant Other to Thanksgiving Dinner??
You’re in love. You want to introduce your significant other to your family and the world. However, don’t let “smoke get in your eyes.” Thanksgiving may not be the best time for your boyfriend/girlfriend to get acquainted with your relatives. Before you act hastily, consider these points: Are you “out” to your family? If not,…
You Don’t Have To Come Out On National Coming Out Day
October 11 is the 31st annual LGBTQ Coming Out Day. The purpose of the day is to educate the public about LGBT orientation, reduce bullying, and support allies of the LGBT population in their fight for equality. Although it would be ideal if everyone felt they could come out, LGBT children have their own timeline. …
Human Dignity is at Stake
Can someone be fired for being LGBT? Today, the Supreme Court justices are hearing three historic cases on LGBT equality. The three plaintiffs are: Gerald Bostock, Donald Zareda and Aimee Stephens, all fired from their jobs for gender identity and expression. Although the cases will not have a decision until next year, most likely in…
It’s a Legitimate Orientation and Shouldn’t be Erased
For a person having a bisexual orientation, the orientation is not chosen even though the sex of the partner may be. The annual Bisexual Awareness Week ( September 16-23, 2019), co-sponsored by GLSEN, celebrates bisexuals who make up more than 50% of the LGBT community. The Williams Institute, a policy think tank for LGBT policy…
Know Your School’s LGBT Rights
You’ve done your homework as a parent to prepare your child for possible bullying, harassment. According to GLSEN figures, you can expect bullying. Approximately 85% of high school students report being harassed in school because of their real or perceived sexual orientation, 64% of students document that they are harassed because of their real or perceived gender…
An empty highschool hallway with red lockers on the right side
Make The School Your Ally
Last week, I addressed preparing your LGBT child for possible bullying during the school year. It’s a straight parent’s homework! Most importantly, you want to make the school your ally. How do you do this? Talk to the school personnel to discover what they regard as bullying. However, keep in mind that often teachers and…
Son shares secret with father, trust-based warm relations, teen bringing up
When School Feels Dangerous To Your LGBT Child
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. New data from the GLSEN National School Climate Survey of LGBT students shows that although homophobic remarks and verbal harassment in schools has leveled off for the first time in a decade, nevertheless…