Happy Thanksgiving - "A Note To My Kid" - Giving Thanks for our GLBTQ Loved Ones!

A Note To My Kid is a wonderful new blog.  In it, parents, family and friends who love the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and gender-non-conforming people in their lives write open letters to them.

Just reading the first one brought tears to my eyes, when Elaine, mother of Taylor (a gay drag performer) in Canada wrote:

What a path we have travelled since that night when you told me you were gay and I answered: "No you aren't you just think you are because you have been hanging out with those guys for too long". What I knew about homosexuality back then would have filled one line of an address book.

But I determined I would learn so I could convince you that you really were not gay and so I could change you.

As Dr. Phil would say how's that working? Well, you know and I know, that didn't work and I soon discovered that the person who had to change was not you but me.

And this one, from Claire in Arizona.  She's the mother of Kevin, a young gay man:

I did not know my son was gay until his freshman year of college. I must admit to a feeling of loss when I first knew. Loss of a wedding to attend, loss of a daughter in law who may just love my antiques etc. But as time as progressed I have learned that I did not lose anything....I gained a son who was honest with me, and if things change... I may yet have a wedding to attend and maybe even his partner will like my antiques:-). I just had to re-learn.... and Kevin helped me with that. I am lucky. My son had little trouble accepting who he is and being so self-assured has helped others and myself accept it. I love him a great deal, as does his Father, and his entire extended family. He is very special man, and we are lucky to know him and have him in our lives. This world could use many more just like him!!

And this piece, "Things I Know" by a Seattle mother of Miles, who is transgender FTM:

I know this is a process of stages. Grief is the first, acceptance the middle, celebration is the last.

** I am now celebrating the wonderful joyful man that you have become. **

And this one, a Scottish godmother's note to Chris, who is not accepted by his parents:

My darling now you must be who you were meant to be, embrace this love and be happy.  Know when to cut people out of your life who are not good for you no matter how hard.  You need to feel true love and that is on offer now, and if you ever need me my darling, I am on call 24 hrs a day.  
I love you.

Notes from lesbian stepmothers to their straight daughters, mothers learning of their children's struggles and asserting that "God makes all of us and he doesn’t make mistakes." mothers learning about love from their queer children:

"You have taught me love isnt defined by others. Love is limitless. Just like you.

I love you."

Reading these notes is like a bath in unconditional love, and I'm thankful to have found it.  So go lose yourself reading the notes at "A Note To My Kid."  And maybe write a note to someone you love in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Namaste,
Lee

Another Gay Teen Blogger Talks Books! (Specifically, his love of books about love...)

I was so excited to discover another gay teen blogger sharing from the heart - Check out John's great article "He's Reading WHAT?! The In's and Out's of a Guy Who Reads Romances" over at his blog, Dreaming In Books.

It's really eye-opening, about cover shame, "romantic prejudice," being true to yourself, and reminds us all of how books really can change lives.

I felt really honored to read it, and I'm so happy to share this link with all of you.

My thanks to John for sharing.

So go check it out, and then, go grab a good romance!

Namaste,
Lee

Brent, A 15 year old, Talks About Being Gay, Books, and What Librarians Need To Do!

Blogger, Book Reviewer, And Teen Extraordinaire
Brent

So I had the wonderful treat of hearing about this amazing article Brent wrote over at Janet Trumble's Pinched Nerves Blog from a few different people.

It's on books and reading, on being gay, and on the importance of GLBTQ Teen Lit for all teens - and how librarians have a responsibility to have those books available!

Brent had to deal with such prejudice from his school librarian (who told him his interest in GLBTQ teen books was "inappropriate") - and then he tells about successfully lobbying his local public library to finally carry two titles with queer characters!

Brent is a hero - right now, out there - reading, writing, blogging, and living his life as an openly gay Teen.

Go read his article. And check out his blog and book reviews over at Naughty Book Kitties.

Thank you, Brent. You totally inspire me.

Namaste,
Lee