December 2009

I am very fortunate. When I came out at 18 (a long time ago) my family did not throw me out of the house. My parents did not disown me. My mom and dad have always supported me and the paths that I have pursued in my life. The fact that I am a lesbian was never considered a phase or something of which to be ashamed.

I have always known that I am fortunate but it has become all the more clear to me since I have been working at QMUNITY . Here I have met many people, too many of them young people most in need of family support, who have no one who claims them and loves them for being just who they are. Growing up queer or trans can be difficult enough in this largely straight and narrow world. Doing so without the love and support of family is downright dangerous. Here at QMUNITY we have a number of services and programs that try to fill in some of the gaps that result from family abandonment and societal rejection. Here at QMUNITY many people find family and community.

This Christmas I want to honour my parents and publicly thank them for loving me and supporting me on my path. Instead of sending stuff to my mom and dad I went to Little Sisters and asked Mel to recommend some books. She suggested the list below and I promptly bought them all. These books I will then donate; two of them to the Out on the Shelves library here at QMUNITY and the third to QMUNITY Gab Youth. The QMUNITY Gab Youth program and our library are just two of our wonderful resources for young people, coming out people and the families of those that have just come out who could use some information, some understanding, some reassurance and some community.

Inside the covers of these books I have written my parents’ names and stated that the books are given in their names in the hope that more young queer and trans people will grow up safe and loved and supported. With the sharing of resources, the building of community and the support of loving family and friends we can make this largely straight and narrow world a safer place for us all.

Thank you Pamela Cooper and Alan Breakspear for always loving me and supporting me.
You are wonderful examples of what every queer kid deserves and needs.
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad.
Much love,
Jenn

Now That You Know: A parents’ guide to understanding their gay and lesbian children by Betty Fairchild and Nancy Hayward

Is It A Choice? Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Gay and Lesbian People by Eric Marcus

101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks & Other Outlaws by Kate Bornstein