Oct 31st, 2006
Visible in Dallas
One of my favorite tubs to thump* has to do with making sure adult children are visible in LGBT family space. Months before the LGBT Parenting Family Conference in Dallas, I took part in a conference call which was basically a brainstorm of ideas for what would make our gathering a success. I said I wanted a visual cue for LGBT parents so see us (ie. not mistake us for “allies”), and for us to be able to find each other in the crowd.
In reality, it was obvious that registration for the conference was lower than anticipated, so “the crowd” was not at all overwhelming. What’s more, the COLAGE workshop track was so separate from the LGBT parents workshops, we quickly figured out who was who.
Regardless, COLAGE boardmember Ryan LaLonde heard my request for establishing visual cues, and I wouldn’t doubt it if COLAGE gets this feedback often. Ryan designed the button above, as well as others, like “Second Gen & Proud,” “I [heart] my dads,” “I [heart] my bi mom,” “I am a bothie,” and several other quick messages.
I bought a bunch to give away to my peers back in Minnesota because these sassy statements of identity politics are simply irresistible.
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*”Tub to thump” is an expression I learned from Texan Molly Ivins, meaning something one cares about deeply and won’t shut up about.
Hi Abigail - I am happy to create others and I am open to suggestions. A few I heard in Dallas were - I Heart my COLAGEr Girl/Boyfriend/Spouse for our spouses to get into the action and I heart my gay grand-dad’s and mom’s versions… any others?