Dear LGBTQ+ parent: We are not your "ally."

[pnwmom]

To us, that term can sound less-than and "other." It doesn't recognize the impact it has on a child to be living in America with a gay parent or parents.

Those of us with an LGBTQ+ parent are not our parents' allies -- we're your children. We're in the same boat with you, whether we're gay or straight -- because we love you. And we've been there with you since we were born.

[Irish_Dem]

1. I have a number of LGBT family members.

I never thought of calling myself an ally.

I love them to pieces and I have their back 100%.

They know it to their core.

But I am their mom, aunt, cousin, etc.
I don't think of myself as an ally.

[pnwmom]

2. I got triggered by this. . . .

I'd gone to see if the listing of orgs includes COLAGE, the group for children LGBTQ people, and it doesn't. All it lists is this:

Families and Friends of LGBTers
- GLAAD: Be an Ally

https://www.democraticunderground.com/113720777

[Irish_Dem]

3. I hear you, that does seem odd doesn't it?

What do they think we do every single day?

But maybe some family members want to get more involved in political and social activities and activism?
Or be more visible in the community?

Maybe they want to take more overt action to the larger population.

So perhaps it makes sense.

[pnwmom]

4. PFLAG is another group that didn't recognize the existence of children of gay people for a long time.

It began as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and later expanded to Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

But it always seemed as if somehow the children were supposed to be supporting the gay parents -- rather than the reverse. It's the job of all parents no matter what their orientation to recognize the challenges their children face and to support them.

It's a scary time for families right now, especially in red states.

[Irish_Dem]

5. Yes I agree.

I have been talking with some of the young people in my family about this very issue.
Being aware of the feelings of the children of gay parents and how they are impacted by this issue.
It is real and has to be addressed.

We also have multi racial and different religions thrown into the mix.
So we talk about that too.

Yes I am quite worried all of it especially now for sure.