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Look Before You Leap
Posted under Being RSG, GLBTQ issues by Recovering Straight GirlLeap Day, also known as Bissextile Day is observed every four years. Or more accurately in any year that is divisible by 4 except for century years that are not divisible by 400. What a complicated world that we live in.
I’m just happy that the Bissextile’s get some recognition every once in a while. Really, let’s embrace diversity.
Speaking of diversity.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to discuss with a local school administrator the importance of teaching acceptance in all of our schools, and how relative that these issues are to all communities (even those in the suburbs.) In the United States, there are more than 10 million people who have a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered parent (COLAGE). It is estimated that presently there are seven million LGBT parents with school aged children in the US today (GLSEN). Often these parents are not accepted into the school’s community. (See PDF of these findings at the GLSEN link.) Often these children are harassed and ridiculed.
It’s time for all of that to end, and the only way it ends is to educate, hold a safe space, and for each person to be accountable for their words and actions.
All kids, whether they are brown or white or turquoise, whether they are Christians, Muslims, Mormons, or worship bats, whether they are gay, straight, transgendered, or questioning; all kids deserve to be in a school where they are safe and ACCEPTED.
For that matter, all PEOPLE need to be safe and accepted. This education and base of values needs to begin when people are most open and accepting to ideas, beliefs, and realities. This education, like all education provides a base for which people will grow and build who they are, and who they will become.
I certainly wasn’t volunteering for the “token lesbian mom of the suburbs” position to spearhead any kind of campaign against discrimination; but this is apparently where some of my efforts will be now directed.
This among the other thousand things that I want/need to do in the next short term of my life. Bring it on I guess. What do I have to lose (besides my sanity?)
My wife, lovingly read aloud to me my horoscope for the day:
“TGIF. Due to growing ambitions you are probably putting too many irons in your fire Use your time wisely and head off potential problems” (The Oregonian).
Sigh. Does anyone really believe that stuff? It’s a good thing that she loves me more than anything and that there are good prescriptions (and Pinot Noir) available if necessary.
Happy Weekend my friends. I’ll be getting some rest; I’m going to need it.
I love you. I think your a fantastic woman and I am proud to call you my friend.
‘Tis good work you do, good for you for taking in on. yay! Have a nice and restorative weekend.
Good luck, you are going to need it. Along with a bigger fireplace.
Obviously I’m needing new glasses- I thought it said that today was bisexual day. Either way, embrace diversity.
Have a wonderful and relaxing pinot noir filled weekend.
Speaking of pinot, I’m planning a trip to Oregon this spring and would love any advice you have on the Portland area wineries. Argyle is a must!
Man you are stressing me out just reading about your newest project, but it is a “have to” so what are you going to do, let it slide? If you need moral support you know who to call. Oh and I am really proud of you, again.
**note to HG- it sounds like RSG could use a foot rub with her next glass of wine.
Well done! The schools can always use some parent input on this topic. Last year, I was the co-advisor of our school’s GSA. We hosted an event where leaders from local affirming churches and one synagogue came to speak about why their congregations accept and welcome gay people and their families. Many holy-roller kids came to try and debate the topic, and I believe they were somewhat educated by it. One parent came to the event and later wrote a letter to the principal about how great it was. It was so nice to hear!
Such good and crucial work you have taken on–thank you.
As for too many irons in the fire, check out the article in today’s NYT about allowing doors to close. Fascinating work.
Have the happiest weekend, full of fun and rejuvenation!
“…worship bats” - that made me laugh!
Based on what I know from your blog, you are an excellent person to take this on! Good luck to you!
I’m just glad you didn’t get detention.
Fight on, girl. Beer + girl scout cookies = GOOD.
You had a busy leap day…I hope this post doesn’t’ mean that one of your children is getting grief because she lives with two moms. Grrr…that sh…err, stuff just pisses me off. You are doing a great job dearie, never doubt that!
good luck with the school, you will do just fine. Just remember not to scare the straight people.
While I can seriously appreciate the position of “over committing” and feeling like just giving it all up and going to bed for a year, we need people like you educating others in our community. It is a rare person who not only has a passion for the subject, but also has the information to back them up AND the verbal prowess to speak in a way that makes people listen. From the way you write on your blog, it is apparent you have all three in spades! Go out there and kick some ignorant behind!
Actually, those kids who worship bats deserve what they get. Freaks.
[…] brothers, friends, what is a mother to do? I could follow in RSG’s footsteps or go in guns blazin’ (this is my gut reaction) but maybe there is another […]
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