tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387298392011-11-27T18:32:18.931-05:00A simple expression of what it is to be a Gay American Family.Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.comBlogger631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-74511816975954641082010-11-08T16:47:00.000-05:002010-11-08T16:47:06.638-05:00

Rolling fresh off the election of Georgia's most anti-gay Governor-elect in history, my wife and I wonder what these election results mean to our family. Will the climate of acceptance we currently enjoy change for the worse? We know Georgia is far away from treating its citizens equally, but at least we live in area of the state where our family is accepted and treated with the respect it

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-50712455297489555722010-10-08T14:42:00.000-05:002010-10-08T14:42:40.915-05:00

With the recent media attention on the numerous tragic suicides related to school bullies, I have found parents, gay and straight, are more on edge about the affects of bullies on their children. I think this is a good thing because I want to live in a society where no one tolerates bullying on any level. A complete societal shift is the only way we will end this epidemic (think of the societal

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-92122323821451938302010-10-07T09:36:00.000-05:002010-10-07T09:36:15.749-05:00

I am probably way behind on this question, but I am going to put it out there anyway. I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter who doesn't know what the word "gay" or "lesbian" means, which is kind of ridiculous since mommy works for the Gay Community. I don't know why or even how we have avoided the subject for this long, but somehow we have reached this point and she doesn't know, and I am thinking I

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-83125692307037728272010-10-07T08:39:00.000-05:002010-10-07T08:39:41.108-05:00

Yes, it is still weird to have Pride in October. This is our second year celebrating Atlanta Pride in October. At least this year it is a little earlier in the month, and we are likely to have gorgeous weather this weekend. I love not having it in the hot month of June, but last year it was raining and cold (a terrible combination for me). I don't know if it is because I am a mother, but I keep

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-68338586098382284092010-07-07T10:44:00.000-05:002010-07-07T10:44:23.518-05:00

Spending the Fourth of July weekend at my parents' retirement community has me reflecting on what my retirement will look like. Whether at their Florida retirement community or the North Carolina one (they change residences based on the temperature), I always find myself walking their neighborhoods looking at the different style houses and picking out the one I would get if I was in

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-5213828964541833792010-05-25T11:04:00.000-05:002010-05-25T11:04:37.502-05:00

I started the MEGA Family Project over six years ago with the notion that LGBT couples should be afforded the right to marry our same-sex partners, and receive the same rights, benefits, and obligations that our straight counterparts receive through the institution of marriage. Living in a conservative state like Georgia, I have no illusion that marriage equality is coming here any time soon.

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-43752715094360741772010-03-23T17:21:00.001-05:002010-03-23T17:21:31.127-05:00

Sitting at McDonalds Playland watching my daughter deal with a little bully boy. I am trying to teach her to deal with him. I find myself at a loss unless I tell her to just beat him up, which then makes her the bully.So, how do you teach your kids to deal with bullies without resorting to violence?

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-54384344133243492432010-03-06T01:16:00.000-05:002010-03-06T01:16:53.269-05:00

My daughter Maggie has just turned 5 years old. She joined our family through the wonderful process of open adoption at birth. It is just in the last 6 months that she has shown signs that she actually understands a little about her adoption. We have been honest with Maggie about her adoption since she was old enough to understand words. The books we have read say children are better adjusted

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-56311460117443529202010-02-10T11:03:00.002-05:002010-02-10T11:22:30.442-05:00

Unfortunately, in the absence of marriage, most LGBT couples do not have in place the potentially life-changing legal protections available to them. Heterosexual married couples are given legal rights to visit each other in the hospital, to make medical and burial decisions, a host of parenting rights, and so many other rights simply because they are married.In Georgia, same-sex couples cannot

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-58609847863892014992009-11-03T09:01:00.003-05:002009-11-03T09:08:43.968-05:00

November is National Adoption Month, and President Obama used part of his proclamation to urge equality in adoption laws so that more children can find good homes:"America is a country rich in resources and filled with countless caring men and women who hope to adopt. These individuals come from all walks of life, united in their commitment to love a child who is in need of the protective arms of

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-91972044685241691902009-04-28T23:11:00.001-05:002009-04-28T23:11:07.076-05:00

No one can adequately explain what it means to become a parent. If you've seen Marley & Me (which I don't recommend for pet lovers), there is one scene where Jennifer Anniston's character is losing her mind trying to juggle the needs of her children with her own, and her husband doesn't know what to do to make things better and gets the brunt of her frustration. I remember feeling like Anniston's

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-40832350575683184202009-04-14T08:43:00.001-05:002009-04-14T08:43:21.290-05:00

  The MEGA Family Project Presents Our Monthly Coming Out Support Group:Coming Home Support Group! April 16th, 7pm Finally the Metro Atlanta area has a free coming out group for adults 18+. Coming Home will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7-8:30pm. It will meet at the Florence McDonnell Center which is at 2215 Cheshire Bridge Road, NE Atlanta, 30324. This group is open to anyone at any

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-72613248132389804932009-04-09T14:37:00.002-05:002009-04-09T14:57:43.975-05:00

As Morghan has nearly made it through her first year of middle school, I'd have to say, for now at least, I still have my sweet girl. What I have noticed a tad more of, though, is the self-comparison and the avoidance of standing out...this is all typical of her age group and it doesn't worry me in the least. However...as a lesbian mom (who looks gay, too...LOL), I have found myself struggling to

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-27454573319672778332009-02-16T00:21:00.001-05:002009-02-16T00:21:18.929-05:00

Rosie's R Family Vacation Summer Alaskan Cruise 2009!      MEGA Family Project is delighted to offer up for auction a dream vacation on Rosie's R Family Vacation Summer Cruise!   July 11th-18th, leaving out of Seattle to Alaska and British Columbia!     Kathy Kelly has been on the cruise 3 times since her daughter was 5 months old. "It is truly an amazing experience. The Alaskan cruise is by

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-32160885171837819802009-01-05T19:38:00.002-05:002009-01-05T20:06:04.194-05:00

Well, of course we are...after all, most of us feel born this way, right? If God is all about deep, spiritual love, then wouldn't that love run way deeper than gender, chromosomes, body parts, hormones and all?Let me preface my "spiel" by saying I am only describing my own personal journey. In no way am I trying to be a crazy evangelist who prescribes "correct lifestyles" to others. I just know

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-16241651601170644472009-01-02T22:52:00.002-05:002009-01-02T22:57:40.360-05:00

At the risk of being verbally abused I have a thought that has been bothering me. I am aware that those advocates who are out there to watch out for my rights as a gay man and father have to pay attention to everything that happens. With that said, I feel that the "hype" around the president - elect's choice for a minister for his invocation is making us seem as non-inclusive as we accuse the "

Billy Cochrannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-23915056125506707212008-12-22T13:01:00.002-05:002008-12-22T13:34:42.606-05:00

Wow...what a time of year to finally break up. Right now, very little makes sense to me, and I have so many questions.There is a reason the military has a high divorce rate. Of course, a variety of things can take place to destroy a marriage (or even an engagement, which was us). Deployments often change the soldier and hit them deeply...the other half at home even changes along the way. All this

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-78097827759683062392008-11-16T19:48:00.002-05:002008-11-16T20:58:02.976-05:00

At random, I came across this video of older people sitting around and talking about the issue of gays. Don't ask why this was on video, I wouldn't know. I was looking up videos on equality and somehow found this one. At any rate, the man doing most of the talking of course referred to God's will as the reason "homosexuality ain't right" (as he stated). He then said something about being scared

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-41108743791392312182008-11-05T23:05:00.004-05:002008-11-06T00:09:48.553-05:00

Wow, election day was exhausting this year. This was such an important day. Election morning I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. The only thing I could compare it to was the feeling of excitement I had leading up to Christmas. This was going to be my best Christmas ever, and my present would be President-elect Obama.By 1pm on election day I was exhausted from the intense excitement I

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-69272241524275281162008-11-03T20:53:00.002-05:002008-11-03T21:06:50.407-05:00

It is the eve of one of the most historic elections of my life. There is so much at stake, and I am both nervous and optimistic about our future. I, like many other Americans, have been anticipating tomorrow for so long. Will our families face a win tomorrow in the many elections in our state and across the country? I hope so.We must keep our eyes on what happens in California with the efforts to

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-50920122707467881702008-10-30T10:15:00.001-05:002008-10-30T10:15:53.581-05:00

I made it and voted just under two hours. A small price to pay to partake in this historic election. Now I just hope my vote actually gets counted. The lines outside the building have increased considerably. At least it isn't cold now.I still say we can do better to lessen lines and make voting available to more people by extending the voting hours and days.Kathy KellyExecutive DirectorMEGA

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-57077912944506579872008-10-30T09:05:00.001-05:002008-10-30T09:05:14.124-05:00

After one hour and fifteen minutes, I finally made it inside the building to what appears to be another very long line. Most people are just happy to make it inside to get out of the cold.They started allowing people with very small babies to come inside. They won't let them vote, but are allowing them to wait inside. Obviously the election officials don't realize how hard it is to vote with a

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-55863597214195332172008-10-30T08:22:00.001-05:002008-10-30T08:22:31.308-05:00

It is Thursday morning and I am standing in a very long line to vote in Tucker, GA. It is freezing out here, so you have to admire the many people in line willing to wait what looks to be a couple of hours to vote. This is democracy at its best.One has to wonder why on earth the Republican Secretary of State is not doing more to help people vote in a more expeditious manner.In Florida, the

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-23985711601610430652008-08-23T01:54:00.003-05:002008-08-23T02:30:27.153-05:00

I've stated in previous posts that even though I'm out of the closet, I've left it up to the children to decide how they will address the issue of having two moms. Of course, I'm there every step of the way, but I allow them to come out with it as they feel comfortable. Maybe if they had been conceived or adopted under these circumstances, I would have approached it differently. However, my

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-77212930889417790342008-08-18T19:28:00.002-05:002008-08-18T19:37:34.281-05:00

As a married man with 2 children I was given the advice of an older gentleman in my church that as parents we should give a united front even if we didn't always agree. He said it showed that as adults we were capable of working together to "get the job done". Making decisions is never easy. As an out "somewhat single" gay man who is still parenting 2 kids with my x wife I remember those words

Billy Cochrannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-22966543228993598862008-07-13T23:01:00.003-05:002008-07-14T08:06:47.917-05:00

Our daughter has reached 3 now, and we are finding all of the sudden topics about death (whether someone we know or a bug on the ground) seem to be cropping into our everyday conversations. The question for every parent is what to do with such topics. I imagine many parents handle the death topic many different ways.For me, the easiest way seemed to bring up Heaven and God, which led to

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-51713612703618994772008-07-13T22:58:00.001-05:002008-07-13T23:00:52.698-05:00

According to a New York Times article (7/13/08), this is Senator McCain's view on gay adoption:Mr. McCain, who with his wife, Cindy, has an adopted daughter, said flatly that he opposed allowing gay couples to adopt. “I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no, I don’t believe in gay adoption,” he said.

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-66724607643850266972008-06-21T22:25:00.003-05:002008-06-21T22:56:29.587-05:00

Last week, we held our fantastic "Creating a Family: Choices for Prospective LGBT Parent's" workshop. We added an extra session to the workshop attempting to address the "are you ready" to be a parent session. There is so much to cover on this topic, I realize now I wasn't sure what I wanted our participants to walk away with is such a succinct effort to reach their minds.After a week of

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-21206146115358749462008-06-16T13:38:00.002-05:002008-06-16T14:28:42.598-05:00

If you are reading this blog, chances are that you are a member of the LGBTQ community and that you are family-centered (whether you have kids, want to have kids, or not). If you are not part of this population, then perhaps you have a loved one who is, and you support his/her/their human rights. Moreover, you are either a MEGA member, potential MEGA member, or some bored individual who doesn't

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-53868851604703359172008-05-26T12:04:00.003-05:002008-05-26T13:01:03.957-05:00

I'm not a fan of war...in fact, I'm not a fan of any kind of fights. Anytime I've witnessed others fighting, I become ill as my stomach turns somersaults and my head feels faint. I just don't like the idea, or the results, of harming another person.I do realize, at times, that it happens. Perhaps it has even been unavoidable. I don't claim to be a history buff, but I know the U.S. tried very hard

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-3921648100363380922008-05-16T07:45:00.002-05:002008-05-16T08:22:49.043-05:00

On May 15th, the California Supreme Court declared marriage legal for same-sex couples in California, citing the domestic partnership system in place in California was the equivalent of second-class citizenship and NOT the same as marriage. Couples are expected to be able to marry in 30 days! And unlike Massachusetts, couples from anywhere in the country can go to California to get married,

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-86127355814578697852008-05-14T19:00:00.003-05:002008-05-14T20:03:14.245-05:00

To make a terribly long, complicated story a little shorter, I "came out of the closet" a little later than most. I was 27!!!!! After growing up in a super right-wing family (and I mean EXTREMELY conservative views), and constantly battling myself from within, I finally decided to just be me...and that includes being a lesbian. No, it doesn't define me, but it is a huge part of me. Of course,

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-63249219371864813572008-05-03T23:55:00.002-05:002008-05-04T00:45:03.274-05:00

Tonight, I had the pleasure of attending the Pre-Season game for the Atlanta Dream--the new Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team in Georgia. It was a pleasure for many reasons, but I want to focus on the most obvious. As my friend Karen text-messaged us as she was waiting for us at the game: "I've never seen so many lesbians in my life."My wife and I became WNBA fans back when we

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-2990628376251018542008-04-19T20:55:00.002-05:002008-04-19T21:11:40.299-05:00

I had a really rough week this week. I broke down in Florida while there for some work and play. Repairs, rental car, frustrations, and then I came back to Atlanta to an overloaded in box, employees with unresolved issues, vendors and clients that needed my attention. My finances and emotions were pretty drained. My 15 year old daughter called Friday afternoon and at about the same time I

Billy Cochrannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-51251696494450963992008-03-20T10:01:00.003-05:002008-03-20T10:15:50.592-05:00

I am in the Corporate / furnished housing business and recently attended our annual conference for the largest organization that represents us in our industry. This year I served on the membership and the conference committee and found it to be a lot of work. I had conference calls and responsibilities for both committees and a "job" to do when I got to Vegas. This was my fourth annual meeting

Billy Cochrannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-43904290275027765362008-03-17T10:00:00.003-05:002008-03-17T10:08:17.701-05:00

A few years back at the end of my first relationship after my marriage ended, my daughter and I sat down to watch TV one night. Before starting the show we were going to watch I turned to her and asked her if she knew something about me that we had never discussed. I'm from a small town, people talk and I had just finished a 3 year relationship with someone who had a son who was 5-8 years old

Billy Cochrannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-73579046887263974092008-03-15T08:12:00.002-05:002008-03-15T08:36:58.762-05:00

The other day, on the ride home from work/school, my ten-year old daughter randomly asked, "Mama, what do you think God thinks about the world today?" Wondering what she was about to say, I responded, "Hmm, I don't know. What ideas do you have?"Morghan said, "Well, people litter and leave their trash everywhere. People kill each other, there's wars, etc." "Wow, those are some problems right

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-31157835491638390242008-03-09T15:55:00.005-05:002008-03-09T16:11:19.272-05:00

This is my first posting here so I thought that I would introduce myself and why I'm here. I'm a new board member with Mega Family in Atlanta. I'm the Facilitator for the Gay Fathers of Atlanta. I guess I'm the "odd one out" in this arena as a divorced gay father of two wonderful young adults. What we have in common is that we want our lives and the lives of our children to get better every day.

Billy Cochrannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-27071355589821509282008-03-05T20:10:00.003-05:002008-03-05T21:48:37.484-05:00

You hear talks about hate crimes, and you hear stories of where a homosexual is attacked by a complete stranger, simply for being gay. On a less severe, yet more common level, you hear and experience stories of discrimination from others. What hurts most, I'd say, is when the hate comes from someone who was supposed to love you no matter what: a parent.Okay, so my partner is in Korea, and I

Brandi Anoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-58545402264385968272008-03-03T23:17:00.003-05:002008-03-03T23:23:37.509-05:00

Ever have a day when you realize the love you have in your heart for your child is bigger than every ounce of their body? It is scary to love a little being so much, but it is the best thing ever at the same time.

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-111979353805522542008-02-23T19:27:00.005-05:002008-02-23T21:11:13.327-05:00

My partner, Vincent, and I thought it would be a grand idea to take our 3 1/2 year old to the circus for his first life experience to see clown shenanigans, high wire acts and such. As it was, there were three circus troupes in town at the same time we wanted to go: Big Apple Circus, the Universoul Circus, and the granddaddy of all circuses, Ringling Brothers.I wasn't quite ready to navigate a 3

Larry Donroe-Wellsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-53804750611866810212008-02-18T13:46:00.003-05:002008-02-18T14:32:16.006-05:00

We are all living in a world where children from LGBT families are in the minority. Some of us have it better or worse than others. This past week my daughter had her 3rd birthday celebration at her school. As both her moms walked into the school building, we realized this is the first event we will have been at where we are the only parents in the room (thus, we might be noticed a little more as

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-86232497414301771072008-01-31T23:34:00.000-05:002008-01-31T23:35:00.355-05:00

As I have spent numerous hours in various play settings with my almost 3 year old recently, I have wondered whether we can control our kids being "nice." As most of us can either remember growing up, or have experienced with our own kids more recently, kids can be at their meanest during play time.I am left wondering, can we do anything as parents, or is this predetermined programing?I ask if it

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-50788765126537352642008-01-20T23:44:00.000-05:002008-01-20T23:56:20.284-05:00

I post this not as endorsement of Obama, but more in awe of his uniqueness as a candidate. No matter who you vote for, we must admit most of us have never seen a leader/politician such as Obama. Reading about his concept of unity, I had to wonder about all the moments in gay-activism where we spoke of needing a "gay Martin Luther King" to lead us. Maybe we were wrong. Maybe a straight man can

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-88858213840012753342007-12-26T00:26:00.000-05:002007-12-27T18:19:23.703-05:00

This Christmas, I’m away from my partner, Kristin, a piano player in the Army band. Though we met and formed a friendship nearly two years ago, we discovered a romance between us about a year ago. We refer to each other as “partners,” because sometime after we became “girlfriends,” it was apparent that we share something incredible. Not only is she awesome as a lover, but she is also my very

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-32450099149670281102007-11-14T00:53:00.000-05:002007-11-14T01:12:47.568-05:00

Today, as my just two year old daughter was happily playing with a 4 year old classmate of hers, the little boy innocently asked "does Maggie have a daddy?" I was stunned by the question. I don't know why I wasn't more prepared to answer. I knew this kind of thing would be coming, but somehow I wanted to believe she was still too you to have to deal with the issue.This little boy is a smart,

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-36237434038139565412007-09-28T20:57:00.000-05:002007-09-28T21:45:44.399-05:00

The Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) is up for vote again at the national level. Once again, the issue has come up to exclude transgender people from the employment protections ENDA would offer.This battle has been waged for many years with people reasoning that ENDA is more likely to pass if we exclude transgender people from the legislation. In today's climate, most gay-right's

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-30037600013178193382007-08-17T14:06:00.001-05:002007-08-17T14:50:11.948-05:00

As so many parents before me know, that first week of school is really stressful (for both parents and kids). This should be titled "Be careful what you ask for," as many of you know how much stress went into our family's choice of getting our daughter into our particular school.Here's the summary:It has been really hard to drop off my daughter each morning. She looks at me with this mad look

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-36433145709518406232007-07-27T15:41:00.000-05:002007-07-27T21:53:19.984-05:00

If you had a chance to see the You Tube Democratic Presidential debate, then you witnessed a pathetic, bumbling response from the majority of candidates on the issue of marriage equality. Dennis Kucninich seems to be the only candidate who clearly understands the issue of marriage equality, and is also clearly articulating full support for marriage and other LGBT rights. But, the Queer community

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-14493633077403268402007-07-18T08:04:00.000-05:002007-07-18T08:15:58.356-05:00

As a queer academic and activist, I believe that the power of linguistic redefinition is critical to LGBT politics. Often times, when I use the term "family" to refer to the relationsihp between myself and my partner, people assume that we have children. We are so saturated with normative definitions of "family" that even in our progressive LGBT circles we still assume that when one uses the term

RPnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-4355281918021290372007-07-14T20:56:00.000-05:002007-07-14T21:22:16.031-05:00

Just because one can have a child, doesn't mean one should. Just a few thoughts:1. Children are little human beings who need to be loved and nurtured.2. If your child is terrified of you, you shouldn't be a parent.3. You are no hero if you adopt a child from an orphanage in a poor country, or from the crappy US foster care system, and then treat them like dirt in your own home.4. Children are not

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-67880006283732621072007-07-06T08:07:00.000-05:002007-07-06T08:36:01.434-05:00

Please allow me to introduce myself-My name is Rez Pullen and I am the newest MEGA employee. I am thrilled to be working with Kathy and everyone else who has made MEGA the incredible organization it is today. My partner Sara, and I moved from Boston (go Sox!) to Atlanta (somewhat reluctantly, I'll admit) so I could attend a PhD program at Emory.I have many debates with my peers and colleagues who

RPnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-77512023951675306902007-06-17T23:34:00.000-05:002007-06-18T00:00:01.781-05:00

How is it possible that someone who works full-time for the LGBT cause can forget her sexual orientation, and more importantly the significant implications of being gay, a gay parent, a gay activist, etc.I realized today in my place of worship that I have been so busy focused on getting my daughter into the "right" school, getting her potty trained, and trying to grow the MEGA Family Project I

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-10102129885500012262007-06-11T13:23:00.000-05:002007-06-11T13:51:39.891-05:00

My daughter was finally accepted into the school of our choice (yeah!). Boy, no one prepares you for the stress of figuring out the best school for your child, and then how to get your child into that school. At a time when most parents are just trying to survive sleepless nights, the reality is they should be looking at the various school and child care options available at least a year in

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-23459826343740450892007-04-15T10:38:00.000-05:002007-04-15T18:49:31.716-05:00

Living in Georgia as a gay parent sometimes takes courage, strength, and a tolerance for living with fear. Sometimes, I feel as though my family should just get the hell out of this damn state, but I never have a real clear vision to where my family could run to and live happily-ever-after. These feelings of running pass when I talk to my neighbors, strangers in the grocery line, enjoy an

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-18078943133491375322007-04-14T18:33:00.000-05:002007-04-15T18:36:59.576-05:00

Today, I saw Barack Obama speak in Atlanta. He was inspiring, not that he really said anything new, but because he appears to be a man of integrity. He is clearly not as polished as Hillary Clinton and others, but I would rather have integrity over all else. I don't think I am alone, as I think many of his supporters are craving integrity.While I was chasing around my 2 year old at the rally, I

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-33600807609106486492007-03-15T22:31:00.000-05:002007-03-15T12:23:52.765-05:00

As I get older, more-married, and more tired trying to balance work, friends, and being the primary parent, I realize I don't care much about what I am wearing or how I look. Like the classic Desperate Housewive's mom scene, I find myself talking to people or going out with toddler food or ickyness of some sort on my clothes.I only occaisionally notice myself these days. It's just the way it is

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-54007917894803069272007-03-02T22:08:00.000-05:002007-03-02T22:36:00.253-05:00

I can hardly believe it. My daughter is only 2 years old and she/we are already competing against other children her age. No, it's not to get into Harvard, or even a sports team, but to get into a good local school program in the Fall. I have been thinking more about this process than I have other big, important things in my life. I don't exactly know why I am so preoccupied with it, and I worry

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-4583751862586972462007-02-27T23:39:00.000-05:002007-03-12T16:42:18.320-05:00

I get sick of hearing about gay folks behaving badly when it comes to the well-being of our children. I realize straight people behave badly also, but there is something extra sickening to see a gay person use the anti-gay legal system to steal a parent from a child (or vice versa). At least straight folks have a legal system that helps them end their relationships in a way that limits the harm

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-1170449901625447922007-02-02T15:29:00.000-05:002007-02-02T15:58:21.633-05:00

My daughter is almost 2, and a die-hard Little Einstein's fan (no, not Baby Einsteins) on the Disney channel. I can't tell you how many episodes I've watched with her--we actually have it set to Tivo because she doesn't quite understand that the show doesn't just come on whenever she wants. Anyway, I digress.We are having a Little Einstein's themed birthday party for her next week, which has

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-1170349828285546402007-02-01T11:28:00.000-05:002007-02-01T12:10:28.296-05:00

My family and I just returned from a trip visiting my parents in Florida. We are extremely fortunate in that they absolutely adore our daughter, and are very supportive of our family as a whole. It is so precious to see my parents light up around my daughter, and to see her beam around them. It has brought out a beautiful side of them I had never quite seen before.We know not every family is so

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-1169833073632956552007-01-26T12:21:00.000-05:002007-01-26T12:37:53.640-05:00

According to 365 gay news: In Washington state, there was a recent flood. "Charlene Strong told how partner Kate Fleming got trapped in the basement studio where she ran an audio company. As the water rose she was unable to open the door to get out. Rescuers finally broke through and rushed Fleming to an area hospital. But at the hospital Strong was told told she could not be with her dying

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38729839.post-1169806712003968822007-01-26T07:30:00.000-05:002007-01-26T05:18:32.106-05:00

Not being able to sleep has it advantages or disadvantages depending how you look at it. It gives me the opportunity to finally start that new blog I was thinking about. But is starting a new blog at 4:30am the best idea? Either way, here it is.I went to a "Beyond Marriage" panel the other night in Athens, GA (at the University of Georgia). Beyond Marriage folks generally don't support the

Kathy and Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02567965038777921119noreply@blogger.com0