Straight Parent, Gay Kid
What’s In Store for LGBTQ+I Students in Florida Classrooms?
This has been quite a week for education bills proposed re: future of LGBTQ+I students in the classroom. Fueled by Governor DeSantis, the Republican-led majority advanced a bill on February 7 that will have to continue in two more committees before it reaches the Senate floor and the Governor’s pen. If passed in the Senate,…
O Ye of Faith, Why is His Holiness Giving Mixed Messages
This week, His Holiness Pope Francis, 85, urged parents in his weekly General Audience to not “hide behind an attitude of condemnation” but to “accompany” LGBT children. Those children, The Pontiff believes, are children of God, loved by God and therefore deserving of accompaniment by the church. While the 266th Pontiff, aged 85, thanked nuns…
This article was originally published in the NYMetroParents on July 19, 2016. The information contained in the article is still applicable, based on my book When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know, co-authored with psychiatrist Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D. Luckily, as of July, 2021, there are more than twenty-two U.S. states that…
Coming Out: Preparation is Key
This article was co-written with Nasir Fleming and originally published on the HuffPost Contributor Platform on 10/2/16. The advice is still pertinent. Coming Out: Preparation Is Key (Tips from a Straight Mother & Gay Teen) It’s my favorite time of year again: pumpkin spice flavored beverages, warm clothing, and barely starting to get a hang on…
lgbtq, trans and intersex rights concept - close up of male gay couple hugging over progress pride flag on background
Coming Out as Transgender: How Should A Parent React?
The world seems to be exploding with gender choices. It’s hard to keep up with all the terms, but as a parent, you may want to know the basics such as: Cisgender: sense of a personal identity and gender corresponds to sex assigned at birth. Gender identity: personal sense of one’s own gender – who…
How Will You Show Support For Transgenders on Transgender Day Of Remembrance?
Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19) culminates in Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 each year. TDOR was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith in honor of her transgender friend Rita Hester who was killed in 1998. The purpose of this day is to highlight the losses faced by the transgender community…
Transgender Awareness Week lettering with Transgender Pride Flag. LGBT community holiday celebrate on second week of November. Easy to edit vector template for banners, signs, logo design, card, etc.
What Does “Trans“ mean? That’s Why we have Transgender Awareness Week (11/13-19)
Does it mean you cross- dress? Have had surgery F-T-M (female -to -male) or M-T-F ( male- to -female). What pronouns do you use? Is it possible to be LGB when you are “trans?” Answers: The only common denominator transgender people have is a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that…
What If Your LGBT + Kid Is The Bully?
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It’s also Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s not coincidental; the two are linked in my opinion. We know from GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network)’s Climate surveys and the Williams Institute, an LGBT think tank at UCLA, that LGBT+ students are disproportionately harassed at school because they are regarded…
Sad desperate young teenager female girl on smart phone suffering from online bulling and harassment felling lonely and hopeless sitting on bed at night. CYberbullying and dangers of internet concept.
Cyberbullying Is Not Going Away! What Can You Do To Protect Your Kids?
This past year, with Covid-19, cyberbullying was on the rise. With internet users turning to their screens more often while inside, cyberbullies were working hard to infiltrate your home with scathing remarks. Why Cyberbullying Is So Insidious 24/7 Users can remain anonymous and hide behind their screens. Because of social media, the cyberstalker can reach…
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Research shows that bullying often leaves scars, negative effects on those who deal with it. The impact from bullying can lead to chronic depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, PTSD, poor general health, self-harm, substance abuse and difficulty establishing, trusting, reciprocal friendships and relationships. Because of the unwanted effects of bullying, October has been designated as…