Harmful to children?

Just yesterday, in a San Francisco federal courthouse I listened to the Proposition 8 proponents continue to claim that the purpose of marriage is for procreation and that marriage equality is harmful to children. In fact, these very claims are misleading and can be dangerous to children.

The nation was tragically reminded at the start of the school year when several young boys took their own lives in response to anti-LGBTQ bullying that being teased, taunted and treated differently is in fact what hurts and harms children. 

When a number of candidates and elected officials used their very public platforms to denounce our families during election season, children were reminded their families are not valued. (Senator Rand Paul assured voters he would not let Washington decide if it is ok for children to learn that “two mommies is an appropriate family situation.”)

When 9-yr old Carter Langbert’s gay father John was ousted from his leadership position by the Boy Scouts of America due to their discriminatory policies, Carter announced on CNN his disappointment and decision to stop participating in a group that treats people unfairly.

There is no doubt, 2011 will present new challenges. With new challenges come new opportunities. Please make a year-end gift today to help people with LGBTQ parents gain the rights, recognition and respect that every family deserves.

With your contribution, COLAGE will:   

• Ensure children with LGBTQ parents know their difference is their strength. By strengthening and expanding the number of local COLAGE Chapters nationally and producing youth-friendly resources, like the groundbreaking Donor Insemination Guide and Tina Fakhrid-Deen’s hot-off-the-press Ultimate Handbook for Youth with LGBTQ Parents.
• Amplify the unique voices and perspectives of people with LGBTQ parents. By partnering with major media outlets like People magazine, ABC’s “What Would You Do?”, PBS’ Point of View, and CNN – as we did for Carter and his dad John Langbert.
• Advocate for equality and justice for LGBTQ families in solidarity with all marginalized families.  By lobbying to pass federal legislation like the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Employment Non-Discrimination Act and advising the Institute of Medicine on best health care practices and research needed.
• Empower COLAGErs to become confident leaders and strong advocates, proud of themselves and of their families. By hosting LGBTQ family events and offering new training initiatives, including two Regional Retreats and a Leadership Summit for COLAGErs of color.

If we’ve learned one thing over the last twenty years, it’s that you and I cannot sit back and trust things will simply get better on their own. It takes community. It takes leadership. It takes action. We make it better, together.

Please donate today. Whether you give $100 or $1000 every single donation matters. You can also become a monthly supporter to split your donations over the next 12 months.

Thank you and warm wishes this holiday season!

Sincerely,

Beth E. Teper
Executive Director
                              

P.S.  A Great Holiday Gift! When you make your year-end gift of $20+/month or $200 or more, you will receive a complementary copy of Let’s Get This Straight: The Ultimate Guide for Youth with LGBTQ Parents.