Out To Lunch
It has been continously proven the topics and issues faced by the LGBTQQA community are as diverse as the community itself. Family based concerns are just as prevailent here, as with any other community. One can watch as the margin of differences between LGBTQQA concerns and issues, and that of the heterosexual population, thin to an almost complete nonexistance, save for the fact that, quite often the concerns of the LGBTQQA population are much more complicated in nature.
To focus on one, specifically, as most other heterosexuals in committed relationships would consider, is the desire to raise a family. While the avenues by which to approach this situation are slimmer, options still remain. Adoption. Artificial insemination. But, in this patricarchal society, what obsticals could a gay couple encounter that a heterosexual couple would not, in terms of legality of gaurdianship. More specifically, how does the law protect the rights of a lesbian couple and their child, or children, in the instance of artificial insemination? Does it? What legal options are open to this couple and their family? One would assume that full legal rights and the title of 'parent' would be given to the biological mother of the child/children. But, what of her partner? What rights are afforded to the other parent in said family? How can the family protect itself if in the event the male doner involved wishes, against their will, to be a part of their child's life? In the event of separation, how is the second parent protected?
These issues would hardly be issues if they were concerning a heterosexual couple in the same situation. The mother would be considered just that, mother. Her partner would be looked upon as the father of that child. In the event of separation between the two adults, neither parent is likely to face being stripped of all rights to their child. This is hardly true when the tables are turned. However, as the number of lesbian couples utilizing the option of articifical insemination increases, the legality surrounding it has evolved as well. It is safe to say that this has, and will continue to change family law.
I was honestly most interested in, specifically, the mechanics, so to speak, of second-parent adoption, as it is an issue that can very well change my life as I know it. For the better of course. And while the change won't be all too noticable to myself or to those close to me, it will be obvious in the eyes of the law. I've always considered my mother's partner as a parent, my other mother. I feel it is high-time the rest of the world made itself open to seeing the same. Up until two weeks ago, it was joked that the biggest impact second parent adoption would have on my life (as I am already, legally, an adult) would be the aquisition of a last name people could actually pronounce without mutilating in the process. I thought that the biggest impact of this formal adoption would be on my brother, who is only fifteen. I had no idea that there was so much more to be gained, legally, if I were adopted, than just a symbolic gesture of saying Meaghan is my mother, and there is nothing the rest of the world can say now, to refute that. Armed with this new information, I hope now, more than ever , that this becomes a reality in the near future, for my family and I.
Pat Griffin, a professor of Social Justice at UMass, made a startling point very clear. Most out LBGT athletes either came out after they had retired, or their career came to a close shortly afterwards. It was unnerving to realize just how homophobic or uninformed the sports world can be. Pat has spent a great deal of time traveling to different universities, hosting talks and lectures, aiming to dispell myths and misconceptions regarding gay athletes (i.e: all female athletes are lesbians, and other absurdities that have somehow worked their way into the minds of people far and wide), and to foster an atmosphere in the athletic community that is safe, and welcoming for LGBT teammates.
Pat broke down the most common reasons for this unwelcoming atmosphere. They included the typical, practically cliché, such as conflict with religion, etc, but also ventured into fears held by many coaches that somehow, having a gay athlete on a team (a gay athlete they're aware of, in any event) will effect, as a whole, the chemestry there of, and their ability to actually work together and function as a team. These are the all too common beliefs that she works to break down among coaches and sports teams.
Given the topic, there were several instances of negative experiences she experienced, witnessed or was a part of in some way such as a young woman being kicked off her soft ball team because her prosalitizing coach's religion preached against her sexuality. But, thankfully there seemed to be an equal number of positive stories to share as well. Corey, for example, a member of a men's sports team who came out, and was still well liked and welcomed by his fellow teammates. She has been well recieved by those who attended her talks, and not well recieved by those who were told it was mandatory to attend a lecture on a topic they didn't agree with or care to address. Her experiences are varied and enrich her ability to convey her message to just about any audience.
Pat's cause is a nobel one. The sports community is just one of several that necessitate renovation in this aspect.
To focus on one, specifically, as most other heterosexuals in committed relationships would consider, is the desire to raise a family. While the avenues by which to approach this situation are slimmer, options still remain. Adoption. Artificial insemination. But, in this patricarchal society, what obsticals could a gay couple encounter that a heterosexual couple would not, in terms of legality of gaurdianship. More specifically, how does the law protect the rights of a lesbian couple and their child, or children, in the instance of artificial insemination? Does it? What legal options are open to this couple and their family? One would assume that full legal rights and the title of 'parent' would be given to the biological mother of the child/children. But, what of her partner? What rights are afforded to the other parent in said family? How can the family protect itself if in the event the male doner involved wishes, against their will, to be a part of their child's life? In the event of separation, how is the second parent protected?
These issues would hardly be issues if they were concerning a heterosexual couple in the same situation. The mother would be considered just that, mother. Her partner would be looked upon as the father of that child. In the event of separation between the two adults, neither parent is likely to face being stripped of all rights to their child. This is hardly true when the tables are turned. However, as the number of lesbian couples utilizing the option of articifical insemination increases, the legality surrounding it has evolved as well. It is safe to say that this has, and will continue to change family law.
I was honestly most interested in, specifically, the mechanics, so to speak, of second-parent adoption, as it is an issue that can very well change my life as I know it. For the better of course. And while the change won't be all too noticable to myself or to those close to me, it will be obvious in the eyes of the law. I've always considered my mother's partner as a parent, my other mother. I feel it is high-time the rest of the world made itself open to seeing the same. Up until two weeks ago, it was joked that the biggest impact second parent adoption would have on my life (as I am already, legally, an adult) would be the aquisition of a last name people could actually pronounce without mutilating in the process. I thought that the biggest impact of this formal adoption would be on my brother, who is only fifteen. I had no idea that there was so much more to be gained, legally, if I were adopted, than just a symbolic gesture of saying Meaghan is my mother, and there is nothing the rest of the world can say now, to refute that. Armed with this new information, I hope now, more than ever , that this becomes a reality in the near future, for my family and I.
Pat Griffin, a professor of Social Justice at UMass, made a startling point very clear. Most out LBGT athletes either came out after they had retired, or their career came to a close shortly afterwards. It was unnerving to realize just how homophobic or uninformed the sports world can be. Pat has spent a great deal of time traveling to different universities, hosting talks and lectures, aiming to dispell myths and misconceptions regarding gay athletes (i.e: all female athletes are lesbians, and other absurdities that have somehow worked their way into the minds of people far and wide), and to foster an atmosphere in the athletic community that is safe, and welcoming for LGBT teammates.
Pat broke down the most common reasons for this unwelcoming atmosphere. They included the typical, practically cliché, such as conflict with religion, etc, but also ventured into fears held by many coaches that somehow, having a gay athlete on a team (a gay athlete they're aware of, in any event) will effect, as a whole, the chemestry there of, and their ability to actually work together and function as a team. These are the all too common beliefs that she works to break down among coaches and sports teams.
Given the topic, there were several instances of negative experiences she experienced, witnessed or was a part of in some way such as a young woman being kicked off her soft ball team because her prosalitizing coach's religion preached against her sexuality. But, thankfully there seemed to be an equal number of positive stories to share as well. Corey, for example, a member of a men's sports team who came out, and was still well liked and welcomed by his fellow teammates. She has been well recieved by those who attended her talks, and not well recieved by those who were told it was mandatory to attend a lecture on a topic they didn't agree with or care to address. Her experiences are varied and enrich her ability to convey her message to just about any audience.
Pat's cause is a nobel one. The sports community is just one of several that necessitate renovation in this aspect.