A group that provides support for LGBTQ+ parents is making a positive impact on individual families.
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
The Northwestern University queer parenting group in Chicago is an important resource for members who are raising LGBTQ+ children. This faculty-only group meets monthly at the University Women’s Center and is made up of LGBTQ+ parents, parents of LGBTQ+ kids, and parents who want to create inclusive environments for their children.
Sarah Brown, one of the organizers and the director of the Women’s Center, explains that the community is very supportive and generous. Members share their experiences and offer advice, creating a safe space where parents can discuss their children’s identities without putting the burden on their child.
Cassie Petoskey, the university’s director of alumni engagement, joined the group to seek support for raising a gender-creative child. She is grateful to have found a community where she can ask questions and learn from others who have similar experiences. Being part of the group has been valuable for Petoskey as she navigates the challenges of raising a child outside of traditional gender roles.
Stephanie Kulke, the mother of a nonbinary teen and the fine/performing arts and social sciences editor of NU Global Marketing and Communications, stresses the importance of supporting her child without placing the responsibility of explanation on them. This group has broadened her understanding and provided a network of individuals who share her goal of creating a nurturing environment for their children.
Amidst current political tensions and attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and families, communities like the one at Northwestern University are crucial. It is essential to have inclusive and accepting spaces where families can come together, share resources, and support one another in the face of hate and discrimination.
Melanie Wilingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ education, highlights the power of community in fighting against intolerance. By building strong networks and inclusive spaces, individuals can make a lasting impact and support one another in the fight for equality and acceptance.
Having access to a supportive group like Northwestern University’s queer parenting group can significantly aid parents in raising LGBTQ+ children. By coming together, sharing experiences, and learning from one another, parents can empower themselves to better support their children and advocate for their rights in a world that often presents challenges to their existence.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
queer parenting group
