Queer Mamas - support, groups, resources?
Some of us are partnered mamas, and some of us are unpartnered mamas. Some of us are partnered with men, some of us are partnered with women. One topic we have yet to talk about specifically is to share resources for the queer mamas among us. An urbanMama recently emailed:
I've noticed that I'm not the first to bring it up diversity because I found the old posting - "Recognizing the Diversity of urbanMamas." I'm a queer mama (who also happens to be of mixed ethnicity) and it seems like there's a lack of representation and inclusion of queer/gay/lesbian, etc. mamas on your site. This is so unfortunate given the "recent U.S. Census data show Oregon now has the third-highest proportion of same-sex couples in the nation, behind only Maine and Massachusetts." (Portland Tribune, 1/7/10). It seems like such a shame that there's no category for queer mamas, given that there's categories for lots of other types of mamas and families --- Papa Style, Working Mamas, Single Parenting, Love and Marriage, etc." uM would be such a great resource for queer/lesbian mamas, who seek to find supportive communities and other like-minded mamas in PDX. As I already mentioned, I adore uMs and would love the opportunity to have a sense of inclusion within the uM community.
To this end, do you have resources to share for queer mamas?
If it helps any, I'm a (newly-out) queer mama who feels the very same way.
I know that In Other Words bookstore has feminist/queer parents' playgroups, and the Q Center has occasional children's activities. Many of these seem to be weekday offerings, though, which is tough if you're a working/student parent.
I would love to know of any other local resources, too. Thank you so much for bringing up this topic! I really wish there was a support or networking group specifically for queer mamas.
Posted by: jenn | January 25, 2010 at 08:46 AM
I'm not a queer mama myself but I've been thinking there's a need for childbirth classes specifically for this group. I would love opinions/ feedback on this. I'm a childbirth educator and would love to offer classes for gay/lesbian parents. These could turn into parent support groups/ playgroups, etc.
Thanks!
Posted by: Angi | January 25, 2010 at 11:51 AM
When I moved to Portland 16 years ago, one thing that struck me was how integrated it was for queers. There really aren't gay bars, restaurants, etc like there are in other cities. There are places owned by gays but most everyone supports them if it is a business that they like. It is great to have this integration once you are settled and have a community but it is really hard for those just arriving or just coming out.
One of the huge benefits of the integration is the acceptance. My partner and I really do not worry about our kids being accepted, having friends, etc. Friends in other cities report their kids being bullied, etc. We have had none of that in Portland. It is really about as safe of a community as we can get right now.
I would encourage you to check out the Q Center. I know that there is a queer mama's group - I can't remember the name of it but they very likely have the information there. I attended one gathering but did not find it to be a good fit for our adoptive family.
Posted by: sarah C | January 25, 2010 at 11:56 AM
there's Parenting/Pregnant Lesbians of Portland (PLOP) and there's a google group:
ploppdx@googlegroups.com
they hold monthly gatherings and share lots of great resources.
Posted by: megan | January 25, 2010 at 02:24 PM
I'm sorry, but I almost spit apple all over my screen from laughter upon reading that last comment...
There's really a pregnancy group called PLOP? Isn't that a method of delivery we'd like to avoid?
Posted by: JessieB | January 25, 2010 at 02:53 PM
I know this is SUPER old, but I wanted to mention there is a group called QPoP, Queer Parents of Portland. We meet monthly on the fourth Saturday of the month. The URL is http://qpoppdx.tumblr.com :)
Posted by: Ejiria Walker | January 16, 2013 at 08:57 PM