Decisions
Bridget and I were walking to work as usual. Halfway there, a student in my class started to walk also. Naturally, introductions were made. That was choice #1. As we got to UVM, the student and I peeled off to go to school while Bridge continued on. Bridge and I usually give a quick hug and a kiss as we part for the day. Choice # 2. My point is that most folks don't have to make these choices. Those of us who gender-identify or in our sexual orientation are other than the culturally imposed default have to make decisions about being open and honest (coming out) or not. It is not a decision made once but one made over and over again. "Straight" folks don't have to make these decisions. The hard part of coming out is not whether to do it or not, but that I have to decide it over and over again and to what degree. Is it OK to introduce Bridget to my student as my partner? Should we kiss? I decided to say yes to both those questions. If I were straight, it would literally have been a no- brainer, no thought necessary. You just do it. My thought is, the more I "just do it" the more people internalize that there's more than one way to make a family.
~ Bates parent
- home -
ŠOUTfront 2006 | design by jemufo
