The First LGBTQ Parents’ Workshop

I attended the first-ever LGBTQ* Parents’ Workshop. What a gift to be able to acknowledge being LGBTQ and a parent at the same time, at an RC workshop! We often have to choose between a parents’ group and an LGBTQ group. It was a relief not to have to make that choice.

We LGBTQ parents generally put a lot of thought into becoming parents and often go to great lengths to make it happen. Our children are usually planned for and wanted. We are good parents who love our children.

We have to make many choices every day: How does speaking out, or not speaking out, affect our children? At work, at play, and in other situations, do we mention that our child has same-sex parents? Can we say this without hesitation or pause when heterosexuals are talking about their families?

I invite our heterosexual Co-Counselors and allies to consider discharging on heterosexual privilege. What would it be like if you had to always decide if it was safe to mention whom your family consisted of?


* Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer
