When I sat down to write this month’s Voice, I was torn — it feels like a lot has gone on since the last time I wrote you, and it feels like even more is still so up in the air. Between celebrating some big wins, recognizing Trans Awareness Week, watching mustaches grow for Movember, and trying to decide just what to do about the holidays this year…it can feel overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but lately it’s easy for me to give into those feelings and - quite frankly - get overwhelmed.
Lately, when I become overwhelmed, I try to focus on one good thing. Just one. My list of good things for this past month has included some of the items below:
There were some unseasonably warm November days here in CT, which allowed me to enjoy the sunshine on my face
We celebrated Dr. Leondires’ bday a few weeks ago, and this “Yoda Best” pun really took the cake. For those of you following along, Dr. L is a BIG Star Wars fan (remember the Chewbacca costume from last month's Voice?! 😉)
Even virtually, I still get the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and try out a new cauliflower recipe (Guys, is cauliflower still trendy?)
And my good things aren’t just the things that happen in my personal circle. For instance:
An incredible host of LGBTQ+ representatives and legislators made history this Election Day. I think one headline I saw read, “Number of LGBTQ Candidates This Year Shatters Records." More of this, please. 👏
This Ritz ad - yes, the cracker - is making me feel 75% better about the lack of Turkey Day commercials.
While I’m at it, check out this Oreo ad in partnership with PFLAG, dealing with the challenges of bringing a partner home for the first time and parental acceptance. Make sure to have tissues handy.
I can’t lie and say that the holiday season will remain unchanged this year. But, in the words of the previously mentioned Ritz ad, "the holidays are about spending time with family, whether it's the one you’re born into or the one that you make" ...or the one that you see over FaceTime. Please be safe, no matter how you celebrate.
For those of you who are struggling with health concerns, financial issues, or the loss of family or friends - I am not saying that this "one good thing" is a solve for all of life’s problems. I know how hard this time is, and I feel for you so deeply. But sometimes this little step - this one good thing - helps me, and I hope it helps you, too. ❤️
This Month | A Recap
🌈For Parents & Parents-To-Be
Is anyone else having a hard time dealing with the fact that it's dark at 4:30pm these days? What about those family members who won't stop asking if you're coming to Thanksgiving dinner? If you're struggling to manage COVID-19 stress, the holidays, and a family building journey - you're not alone. I hopped online with Dr. Cynthia Murdock this week to talk about starting or continuing a fertility journey, flu season, and (of course) COVID. Watch the full live here - and feel free to send me any questions directly via IG or email!
🌈For Trans Patients, Parents, and Allies
Today is Trans Remembrance Day, a day that is dedicated to honoring the lives of those who were lost to anti-trans violence. Check out this touching trans remembrance graphic from one of our favorite queer artists on Instagram.
The past week has also been Trans Awareness Week, when we highlight the Trans experience. This year, we shared a series of graphics showing just how challenging the trans experience can be - from healthcare inequalities, legal rights by state, and even representation on TV, As a community, we must strive to close these gaps every day - not just this one week in November.
I also had the pleasure of connecting with one trans man, Drake, about his personal struggle to find quality, knowledgeable healthcare. Read Drake's story in his own words.
🌈For Anyone who Loves Watching a New Series
I've got just the thing for you. These two dads-to-be call themselves the Broadway Husbands, and they happen to be going through a surrogacy journey at our partner clinic, RMA of CT. They are fun, knowledgable, and vlogging about their whole journey. Check out our recap of their surrogacy experience so far - and stay tuned for more!
Bet Your Bottom Dollar 💸
The alternate title for this section was "money on my mind." Yes, I know it's in poor taste to talk about money, but it's open enrollment season - I can't help it. You probably have read or heard from friends that family building for the LGBTQ+ community can be expensive, and it's my job to help you make the most of open enrollment.
What is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is the time period each year when you have the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to your health insurance plan. This is important every year, but especially if you're considering building your family.
Unfortunately, due to an outdated definition of "infertility" still used by many insurance providers, many LGBTQ+ couples find that their fertility treatment is not covered in full. Never fear - we've pulled together your open enrollment guide, and a list of 4 targeted questions to ask your own HR department about coverage.
If you think of something more that you want to see here, or anywhere that you find Gay Parents To Be, you can respond to this email or drop me a line directly at emma@gayparentstobe.com 💌
🌈Emma - Editor-In-Chief,
Gay Parents To Be
She/her/hers
Gay Parents To Be, 21 E 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022, 203-956-2266
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