GLBT Families in the News
Every day newspaper and media stories feature the issues faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families around the world. Below is sample of some of the most recent stories that touch on the issues at the heart of GLBT family life.
Adoption
- Brazil Kills Gay Adoption Bill: Brazil’s lower house of Congress rejects GLBT inclusive adoption bill. (365Gay.com, 8/21/08)
- A Bachelor-Father Balancing Act: Fatherhood helps a gay man achieve a sense of fulfillment. (New York Times, 8/15/08)
- Obama Supports Right of Same-Sex Couples to Adopt: In a letter to the Family Equality Council, Obama declares his support for the LGBT community’s right to adopt. (The Advocate, 8/7/08)
Custody
- Judge Orders Enforcement of Order in Lesbian Custody Case: Virginian judge dismisses a woman’s latest attempts to deny her former partner visitation rights to their young daughter. (Washington Blade, 8/19/08)
- Son Returned to Other Dad in Gay Kidnapping Case: Father accused of kidnapping could face extradition to the United States. (Edge, 8/15/08)
- Boy in Spousal Kidnap Case Reunited with Guardian: Young boy from New York City is reunited with his legal guardian after being taken to Israel by his other father. (365Gay.com, 8/15/08)
Donor Insemination
- Lesbian Couple Both Gave Birth to Twins on Same Day: A lesbian couple expands their family after each delivers a set of twins on the same day. (Pink News, 7/30/08)
- Donor Sibling Registry: According to researchers, parents should tell children at an early age that they were conceived through donor insemination. (BBC News, 7/11/08)
- Sperm Donor Rights: Questions arise regarding parental rights in cases of insemination. (Proud Parenting, 7/10/08)
Family Life
- When Should a Gay Teen ‘Come Out?’: People debate about the best time for GLBT youth to ‘come out’ and begin living authentic lives. (The Wall Street Journal, 8/19/08)
- Family – It’s All about LOVE!: New billboard campaign in Wisconsin increases awareness of GLBT neighborhoods and families. (Proud Parenting, 8/14/08)
- Advocates Hope Billboards Build Awareness: Non-profit organization creates a new visual marketing campaign to alter negative stereotypes about GLBT people and families. (UWM Public Radio, 8/14/08)
Foster Parenting
- Opponents of Arkansas Gay Foster Ban Plan Court Case: Advocates for GLBT foster and adoptive parenting plan to challenge the ban if it is approved in November. (Associated Press, 8/19/08)
- Arkansas Campaign to Ban Gay Foster Parents Raises $9K: An anti-equality group submits a second round of signatures to put a foster care ban on the November ballot. (Washington Blade, 8/19/08)
- Arkansas Unmarried Adoption Ban Targets Gay Couples: A proposed ban will make it illegal for same-sex couples to adopt or foster children in Arkansas. (On Top Magazine, 7/9/08)
Medical Rights & Decision-Making
- Doctors and the Supreme Court: According to a recent California Supreme Court ruling, doctors can follow their faith but cannot discriminate against patients. (Los Angeles Times, 8/21/08)
- California Court Puts Gays’ Care Over Doctors’ Faith: California Supreme Court rules that doctors may not cite religious reasons for refusal of medical treatment to GLBT people. (Washington Post, 8/19/08)
- Hospital Sued after Dying Lesbian's Partner Denied Access to Her: A woman sues a Florida hospital after she and her children were denied access to her dying partner because they weren’t considered family. (365Gay.com, 6/24/08)
Recognitions and Benefits
- New York Family Equality Suit a ’Slam Dunk’: Insurance company extends health coverage to same-sex spouses in accordance with New York state law. (Edge, 7/29/08)
- Blue Cross Agrees to Cover Gay Couples: Insurance agency agrees to provide benefits to same-sex couples and their families. (365Gay.com, 7/28/08)
- Vermont Child Eligible for Nonbio Mom’s Benefits: According to a formal memorandum by the Department of Justice, the child of a lesbian couple living in Vermont is eligible to share in his non-biological mother’s Social Security benefits. (The Advocate, 7/8/08)
Schools & Youth
Bullying and Harassment
- Amendment Filed to NYS Anti-LGBT Bully Bill: A New York State bulling bill is recalled in order to make it stronger and more inclusive of all students. (365Gay.com, 8/20/08)
- Beyond the Briefs – California School Boards Don’t Want to Protect Gay Students: School officials file for appeal after being held responsible for not protecting GLBT students. (Gay and Lesbian Times, 8/14/08)
- Anti-Homophobic Bullying Legislation Introduced to New York Senate: New bullying bill includes protections for GLBT students in public schools. (Pink News, 8/14/08)
Colleges & Universities
- New Emory President Pledges to Continue Gay Support: New president promises to uphold gay-friendly policies. (Southern Voice, 8/22/08)
- Gamma Mu Foundation Awards $129,550 in Gay and Lesbian Community Service Grants and Scholarships: Philanthropic organization awards grants and scholarships to GLBT people and organizations. (MarketWatch, 8/13/08)
- Student Finds Courage in her Art: Recent graduate blends identities through art. (Freep.com, 8/12/08)
Gender Variance in Children
- ‘My Body is Wrong’: Parents and children speak about gender variance and the need for hormone suppressing drugs. (The Guardian, 8/14/08)
- Colorado Transgender Teen’s Death may be Hate Crime: Police look into the possibility that the recent death of Colorado teen may have been motivated by the fact that she was transgender. (The Advocate, 7/30/08)
- Newsweek Blames Murder of Gay Youth on Himself: Some GLBT supporters worry about the message sent to GLBT youth in a recent article on Lawrence King’s death. (Gay City News, 7/24/08)
GLBT-Related Books and Curriculum
- Librarian Champions Intellectual Freedom: Colorado librarian resists efforts to censor GLBT themed books. (The Detroit News, 8/18/08)
- Fighting Gay Youth Dropout Rates: A school in Texas offers new GED program for GLBT teens. (Dallas Voice, 8/14/08)
- Proposition 8 Backers Take Fight to Kindergarten: Right-wing activists use backward approach in their efforts to ban same-sex marriage in California. (San Francisco Chronicle, 7/25/08)
GLBT-Related Events and Organizations:
- Ugandan AIDS Commission Chief Says Homosexuality Must be Stamped Out in Schools: Uganda urged to rid schools of homosexuality in order to control AIDS epidemic. (Pink News, 8/22/08)
- Florida Town Backs Ex-Principal in Gay Student Case: Residents in a rural Florida town are divided over recent court decision. (Washington Post, 8/20/08)
- Parents to Get Letter on Gender Change: Parents of students at a Massachusetts school will receive notice about a custodian’s transition from male to female in the upcoming school year. (Telegram.com, 8/19/08)
Surrogacy
- Married with Children - Becoming a Gay Biological Dad: Surrogacy allows more gay couples to achieve their dreams of becoming parents. (Edge, 8/11/08)
- Surrogacy Flap in Connecticut: Trial judges in Connecticut disagree over the enforcement of gestational surrogacy agreements. (Gay City News, 8/7/08)
- Their Surrogate Story: A Chicago couple becomes fathers to twin girls through surrogacy. (RedEye, 6/18/08)
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