federal protection vs. state rights
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…
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…
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…
Parents Can Struggle for Years When Their LGBT Kids Come Out
According to a new important study, headed by David Huebner, PhD, MPH, associate professor of prevention and community health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, many parents still say after two years that it is moderately or very hard for them to adjust to the news of their childrens’ coming…
Today Is Non-Binary Day
PRIDE month in many cities has come to a close, but not its impact. Crowds of the non-binary population swelled the streets. So, how do you define non-binary? It’s an umbrella term for a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that is neither entirely male nor entirely female. It’s the opposite of…
Majority of LGBTQ Black & African American Youth Can’t Relax At Home
blackyouthproject.com HRC Foundation and University of Connecticut’s report “Black & African American LGBTQ Youth Report,” released last February, details the experiences of Black and African-American LGBTQ youth. Nearly 1,700 young people, ranging in age from 13 to 17, took part in this HRC’s online 2017 LGBTQ Teen Survey. What they shared was dismal: · They…
A Middle Schooler once called “It” Helped Changed SEX Education in Arizona
Credit: Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star Santi Ceballos, 13, from Tucson, Arizona came out as non-binary in September 2017. Many of his former classmates called him “it” because he doesn’t identify as being male or female and is possibly transgender. Santi uses the pronouns they and them in regards to they’s sexual identities.…
PRIDE Flags – More Than Decoration
Created by Daniel Quasar June is the month associated with PRIDE. It’s a month of readings, events, Stonewall photography, exhibits, and, of course, marches and parades. Banners and flags unfurled everywhere, bringing the LGBTQ community together yet highlighting the differences among different groups. But what do the colors actually signify in the different…
GAY PRIDE: WHY WE CELEBRATE, Guest Post by Bryce Thompson
June is traditionally GAY PRIDE Month. Today, Bryce Thompson, M.A., LMFT, author of the forthcoming book, Are You Man Enough? A Call to Action Guide for Straight Fathers of a Gay Son, is writing a guest blog post on Gay Pride: Why We Celebrate! PRIDE counters the pain, marginalization, and attempted “eraser” of nature’s diversity!…
Are Your Kids Mentally Healthy?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to American Psychological Association News, March 8, 2019, “more U.S. adolescents and young adults in the late 2010’s vs. mid 2000’s experienced serious psychological distress, major depression or suicidal thoughts and more attempted suicide.” Anxiety and depression are on the rise and suicide is now the second…