Jan 24th, 2006
You say you WHAT? Misunderstanding #5987
At a GLBT-related event on Saturday, I said hello to a group of lesbians who introduced me to their gay male coworker they had invited along.
Lesbian 1: We met Abigail when she did her book signing at Amazon.
Gay Male Coworker: You’re an author? What do you write about?
Me: I write about the culture of having queer parents.
GMC: [no words while wheels turn in head.]
Me [trying to clarify]: I am an activist for children who have queer parents.
GMC: So, you think people should quit their jobs to raise kids?
[In hindsight, his question should have alerted me to a disconnect in the conversation. But little phases me anymore, and I know where I stand on the working vs. stay-at-home parenting debate, so I answered without skipping a beat.]
Me: Oh, no. I’m no Dr. Laura.
GMC: [No words again. Obviously confused.]
Lesbians 1, 2, 3: [All jump in at once, explaining what I do/write in their own words.]
GMC: Oh!!!! Queer parents! I thought you said career parents!
Good heawing, as weww as pwonunciation, can be impowtant to youw ka-weer.