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    LGBTQ+ Families

    By Michele Karlsberg–

    Michele Karlsberg: Robin Hopkins and Jaimie Kelton are the co-hosts of the podcast “If These Ovaries Could Talk,” and are the authors of a book by the same title. They’re moms, lesbians (who are married to other ladies), and each have kids. And they’ve made it their mission to talk about LGBTQ families. Their new book is full of insights and stories addressing recurring questions about LGBTQ families that came up during their podcast. These include choosing an egg donor, sperm donor, or surrogate; adoption and foster care; navigating trans fertility; growing up with gay parents; being out as a family; talking to your kids about where they came from; and the legalese that often ensues for LGBTQ families. The book includes stories from actor and comedian Judy Gold; Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls; poet, activist, and author Staceyann Chin; America’s Got Talent alum Julia Scotti; and Bravo TV’s The Abbys. 

    Excerpt from the forward by Judy Gold:

    The great Harvey Milk said, “We will not win our rights by staying quietly in our closets.” But the truth is that even when we storm out of the closet and slam the door shut, we still have to come out every single day. Why? Because people constantly make assumptions and then voice them. Loudly. 

    When you are LGBT and you add children to the equation, the comments and assumptions get even worse. One afternoon when my sons were young, I brought them to one playground in Riverside Park. A parent who was there asked me if I was planning on raising my boys as homosexuals. Absolutely! The only music we allow them to listen to is show tunes, and since we live in a one-bedroom apartment, they’ll be spending the first 18 years of their lives in the closet. And this happened in New York City! How does that even make any sense? Did my straight parents raise me to be a lesbian?

    So how can we avoid these awkward situations? Do yourself a favor and learn all you can about how LGBT families are created. Become knowledgeable about people whose families look different from yours, and maybe you’ll figure out we’re not so different after all. Look, none of our kids are mistakes—it’s not like we got drunk one night and started dialing up the sperm bank. We had families because we wanted to. We jumped through hoops to make something that comes so easily to so many others. And as for our children? You can bet that they have to “come out” to every new person they meet who asks about their parents.     

    If These Ovaries Could Talk: The Things We’ve Learned About Making an LGBTQ Family is an informative, in-depth journey that is equal parts funny, serious, happy, sad, celebratory, cautionary, and powerful. Authors Robin and Jaime compare the journey to parenthood for LGBTQ folks to a roller coaster ride. “At first, you’re really excited. The car chugs up the hill, clink-by-clink, and suddenly you’re wondering when was the last time they tightened the bolts on the tracks? That’s how it is when you’re spending a lot of money trying to have kids in a world that’s not set up for families like yours. You just have to hold on and try to enjoy the ride.”

    Excerpt from “If These Ovaries Could Talk: The Things We’ve Learned About Making an LGBTQ Family.” Copyright © 2020 Jaimie Kelton and Robin Hopkins. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from Lit Riot Press.

    Author Robin Hopkins is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and podcast host. She began her career as a stand-up comic in New York City, performing regularly at Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Gotham Comedy Club, and Stand-Up New York. Her acting credits include Boardwalk Empire, Louie, Hindsight, and Mi America.

    Jaimie Kelton is an award-winning actor, voiceover artist, producer, and podcast host based in New York City. She has over 17 years of experience performing on stages in New York City, in Regional Theaters, and on National Tours.                                   

    Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 32 years of successful book campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com

    Published on October 8, 2020