Questions for Kate! And Exclusive COLAGE Interview:
1. Why is it important to you to support COLAGE?
Quite simply because COLAGE supports me. The LGBT movement will only succeed with diverse allies, and I can’t imagine better allies than people with a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer parent.
2. What role do you see COLAGE and COLAGErs have in the queer movement?
COLAGE is proof very positive of what studies have shown – children of gay and lesbian parents are, like the children in Lake Woebegone, above average. The children of lesbians and gays are the like those helpful parakeets – they are excellent barometers of the atmosphere of homophobia in schools, on the bus, in playgrounds. They inform us of our progress. We support them by working to make justice sparkle clean and clear in the air around them.
3. What changes have you noticed in the LGBTQ family movement over the past 20 years?
For many summers in Ptown I wondered where are the tweens and teens? When the LGBT parents came to town, their children were teeny, then tots, then they seemed to disappear. I worried the gay parents just turned the kids in for younger models. But no! The kids were in COLAGE camp – with each other, talking, partying and becoming stronger amazing representatives of healthy LGBT parenting.
4. What is your favorite thing about Family Week in Provincetown, MA?
The size and colors of all the Crocs.
5. As a political comedian, how do you think the current administration is doing? How would you compare it to other administrations in terms of humor?
Bush was so boring – banal, evil, predictable. There are only so many ways to say “Bush is bad.” The Obama administration, dealing with the multi-collapses from the Bush years, has lots of opportunities for humor. When we’re not sobbing. Of course I’m disappointed with the pace of change on LGBT issues, but the disappointment is lovely compared to the despair over the previous administration.
6. When do you first remember hearing about COLAGE and/or families headed by a LGBTQ parent?
I have always been blessed with gay friends with children. It is a pleasure to see how support for those kids has grown and how the needs of those kids have shaped the mission of COLAGE.
7. Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers of the COLAGE print newsletter or blog?
Whenever cranky gay people feel cynical about ‘what’s to become of the movement?’ weh weh, go hang outside a COLAGE event, you’ll feel better. You’ll feel even better if you write COLAGE a check.
Provincetown Family Week Highlights!
Sunday, August 1st
10:30-12pm Kick Off!
12-2pm Meet and Greet Picnic, Provincetown High School
Meet other LGBTQ families and COLAGE youth participants! Find out about the fun activities planned for the week ahead!
4-5:30pm Family Tea Dance, The Crown and Anchor!
Come celebrate the start of a great week with tunes, family and fun!
Tuesday, August 3rd
6-7:30pm Chapter Social Learn more about COLAGE chapter events and programs in your area. Plus learn how to start your very own COLAGE chapter in your community.
Wednesday, August 4th
7-9pm Major Donor Reception, Provincetown Art Association & Museum
Join other major donors to COLAGE or learn about how you can support our efforts to create a world that treats our families with the dignity and respect we all deserve!
Thursday, August 5th
11am-12pm How to be an Ally to Your COLAGEr, Provincetown High School
Learn more about how we as parents and guardians can support our rockstar COLAGErs and be allies to them as they navigate school and beyond.
4-5:30pm Teen Panel, Provincetown High School
Hear it from the experts themselves! COLAGE teens tell it like it is and answer questions from parents and youth.
7pm Kate Clinton and Reception
The amazing comiedienne Hilarity Clinton herself is back for a night benefiting COLAGE! Tickets available at COLAGE registration table.
Friday, August 6th
2-3pm Dialogue with the Director
Chat with COLAGE’s Executive Director, Beth Teper, bring your questions about COLAGE and ideas for events you’d like to see in your community
3-5pm Show and Tell
Join COLAGE families as they celebrate an incredible week of community building and fun. COLAGErs strut their stuff on stage at the Provincetown High School.
“COLAGE, I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. I feel way more connected than I would be if I didn’t have your support.”
- Debra, COLAGE Family Week participant.
