Bunchland

We asked some of our favourite LGBTQ parents what they thought about Obama’s statement

Dana Rudolph, a.k.a. Mombian

President Obama, by stating that he supports my family’s right to equality, has given me hope that my son may grow up in a country where he is not disadvantaged because of anti-gay laws and attitudes. We’re still a long way from that–no laws have changed since he spoke–but I am optimistic that the President has set an example for others to follow. I am also delighted that he mentioned the positive influence of his daughters, who have friends with same-sex parents, and who accept them and their families as inherently equal. I believe many young people feel as they do, and that bodes well for the future.

Billy Hossack, Toronto dad  Read more...

Meri Perra blogs about the challenges she and her partner face in trying to raise their girls with feminist values

I got into an argument this morning with my four-year old, Rosa, about whether or not she had brushed her teeth. Other mom Catharine, said she was pretty sure Rosa hadn’t. At least, that’s what she yelled from the shower.

I looked at Rosa. “You need to brush your teeth,” I said.

“I did, I did!” she yelled back.

This exchange happened about three or a million times. And soon, the inevitable, and heart breaking, preschool tears started to flow.

“I did brush my teeth, I did!” Rosa said, her face getting red, her eyes blinking back wetness. “Rosa, your toothbrush is dry, honey. You didn’t brush your teeth at all. Look.” I held up the toothbrush. She looked at the brush, looked up at me, and then screamed, “That’s my sister’s toothbrush!”  Read more...

What LGBT parenting news we’re reading today:

1. Of all the opponents to marriage equality, Maggie Gallagher “has done more than any American to stop same-sex marriage,” and all because she got pregnant while she was still in college?

2. What do you get when you cross a Maggie Gallagher with Veruca Salt? A 14-year-old Maryland girl who asked her state legislators to vote “no” on gay marriage for her birthday . She argued it’s a choice and kids of queer parents are missing out and how dare some people challenge the definition of the word “marriage” and blah blah blah. We’re going to go out on a limb and say when this girl turns 18, she’ll meet more people, do a 180 and learn some compassion.  Read more...

Meri Perra will be back next week

Due to unforeseen difficulties, this week’s Queer As Moms will appear on Monday.

In other queer parenting news, Mombian was nominated for a GLAAD award and she marked the fifth anniversary of her LGBT parenting column. Congrats Dana!

Photo by arimoore via Flickr

What we’re reading today:

1. If we tell little girls they’re pretty, will they start to think that their appearance is the most important thing?

2. Should you raise your kids to be nerdy? CNN’s LZ Granderson says society places too much importance on athletics and people are taught to look down on the smart kids. Instead, Granderson says we need to take academics a little more seriously.

3. Kids between the ages of 3-5 who watch scary and/or violent TV right before bed have trouble sleeping. (So do we!)

4. Mombian is proud of LGBT parents and the kids of LGBT parents. It’s been a pretty great year for inspiring kids and stories and bringing conversation about queer families into the mainstream. Let’s keep it up! Happy Pride!

5. Candy is good for you. Kind of. Like, don’t eat Twizzlers for dinner or anything, but treats are OK.  Read more...

Meri Perra blogs about the challenges she and her partner face in trying to raise their girls with feminist values

Warts and all, it’s an ok deal to be a queer parent in Canada these days. It’s not perfect, but it’s ok. Look South. A recent study found that queer parents living in states with limited gay rights experience more anxiety and depression than those who live in states with rights. No kidding.

But it doesn’t mean we have everything over here. In other areas of the world, there are some cool things for queer parents that we don’t have in Canada. … yet. Maybe this list will inspire someone!

5 cool things we don’t have in Canada … yet:  Read more...