Ready…Set…Go!!!

It feels really good to finally put my best foot forward and giving 200% towards my goal of making LeadTheWayOut.com one of the most successful, well-known, and elite websites that caters to intellectual and mature women of the LGBT community who may need a little inspiration or motivation throughout the day. I have a lot of plans and ideas for the future that seems a little overwhelming at times, but I know that with consistency and perseverance, I will get through it. Even though it seems overwhelming, the results are definitely rewarding. [Read more]

2 Moms Are Just As Good

I came across a very interesting article on a study that was conducted recently that focused on whether or not having two moms are as good as a mom and a dad. The researchers studied 81 families and focused exclusively on lesbian couples who were raising children. Their results concluded that on average, children of lesbian couples were no worse than those who were raised by a heterosexual couple. In fact, the lesbian couples interacted with their children a lot more, and were less likely to use physical discipline. In addition, their children turned out to be much more accepting of differences in others. I mean, a child who was born and/or raised in a household that is “different”, it makes sense for them to be a lot more accepting of others. Those who are close-minded are typically raised in a more close-minded environment where it is expected that everyone is the same; and if they’re different, then there must be something wrong.

BLACK GIRL IN A PRIVATE/CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN HISPANIC NEIGHBORHOOD

I recently had a discussion with my mother and I actually told her that I was thankful for the private education I received growing up that was in a neighborhood where the cultural norms were extremely different from my own. Being exposed to these cultural differences as it relates to how we communicate with one another and observing the importance of family that this culture embodied, has played a major role in my own acceptance of those who are different from me. As a result, I have many friends and acquaintances of all ages, sizes, races, sexualities, and backgrounds.  I value each and every one of those relationships as it has made me the well-rounded person that I am today.

Another argument that was addressed in this study was that children of gay couples would be the object of teasing and abuse from other children. In fact, this is an argument that my spouse has when I mentioned the idea of us becoming parents. The study showed that there was very little evidence of this kind of behavior from other children.

THESE KIDS MAY BE BETTER OFF

The article then goes on to state that the researchers felt that children who are raised by lesbians might be slightly better off because these two women are people who very actively wanted to become parents. This is by far the best part of the article simply because I tend to personally use that same argument when people question the parenting skills of homosexual couples. There are many children today who have been born into a family where either one or both parents did not want to accept their new responsibility. There are mothers who would either leave their child off on a relative to raise, allow society to raise and teach that child certain values, or a mother could easily give the child up for adoption. And then there’s fathers who not only are willing to accept their parenting responsibilities, but they fail to accept their financial responsibilities as well. In a homosexual relationship, a child would be raised by two individuals who actually want to be a part of that child’s life.

For some, this may be a touchy subject where religious and morale views may be questioned. But I must say, with the stories we see online and on television as it relates to broken homes and dead-beat parents, our vote is for whatever household that exudes unconditional love, despite the gender of the parents.

What are your thoughts? *Be open-minded and respectful!!!

Are you a LGBT parent? What has been your experience raising your children in our society?

EXECUTIVE CHEF STEF

Entrepreneur of Mobile Dinner Theatre Asiatic Acoustics Mobile Dinner Theatre, Executive Chef Stef provides fine dining 3 course brunch or dinner entrees, live entertainment (Spoken Word, Comedy Shows, Solo & Group Dance Performances, Theatre Play Performances, Feature Film Movies, Key Note Speakers, Film Festivals, Art Shows, Alternative Entertainment, Other) & a Sommelier who pairs  virgin or alcoholic beverages with the 3 course brunch or dinner entrees.Catering Mobile Dinner Theatre Services are available for special individual & community events, cocktail parties, commitment ceremonies, birthday parties, anniversaries, club events, college & sports night, and much much more.

Executive Chef Stef has worked with a budget of individuals, youth, adults & seniors, non-profit, for-profit and faith-based organizations in event planning and culinary arts. With her own culinary equipment, plateware, silverware, linen table clothes and napkins, and glassware, she is available with everything needed to transform your venue into a “Dinner Theatre” Event.

Classy. Tasteful. Mature.

Executive Chef Stef can be found within the metro-Detroit. Check out her website or contact her directly via email or phone for the must up-to-date venue/event schedule.

Contact/Booking info:
Asiatic Acoustics Mobile Dinner Theatre
Website: www.myspace.com/chef_stef
Email: asiaticacousticsjrb@hotmail.com
Cell: (313) 576-7015

A Family is a Family is a Family on HBO

Rosie O’Donnell has a show that will be premiering on January 31 on HBO called A Family is a Family is a Family. The show is a documentary of kids stating what a family means to them. There will be kids featured who have two fathers, two mothers, and those who were adopted by an American heterosexual couple. The show will also include commentary by Rosie and her children.

Keep in mind that this is not the first time Rosie has given back to the LGBT community in motivating and inspiring ways. She and her now former partner, Kelli, founded R Family Vacations that hosts cruises and vacation packages for LGBT families.

It is hard to find LGBT families who are giving back to the community, especially in Hollywood. With media speculation on one’s sexual orientation, many are faced with the dilemma of coming out and what effect it may have on their careers. Rosie has always been an outspoken and obnoxious person, but you can’t deny the fact that she has found her niche that not only benefits her own family, but many others as well.

Because of this show and Rosie’s commitment towards empowering LGBT families, it’s appearing that Rosie has gained another supporter.

Will you be watching the show?

Have you ever been on a vacation through R Family? We’d love to hear about your experience.

Is Corporate America Ready?

An employee’s decision to “come out” or not to come out lays the foundation for the level of success that employee will have within that organization. Some may believe that a person’s sexual orientation should be kept private. However, what happens when an employee engages in a casual conversation with their co-worker regarding their weekend or their family? What these people fail to understand is that it requires a large amount of time and effort for someone to lie about their personal lives, which tends to result in depression, exhaustion, avoiding certain people and events, and staying home from work. “When employees are free to focus on their jobs, and not on changing pronouns or hiding a part of themselves, they are better able to advance professionally,” comments Selisse Berry, founder and executive director of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, a nonprofit organization based that advocates for safe and equal workplaces for LGBTs.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Speaking from personal experiences, this is something that continues to haunt many professional individuals who are ambitious and striving for that upward mobility within their organization. While it may haunt many who are seeking approval within their personal and professional lives, there are a select few who are aware of such professional obstacles and barriers and refused to let it stop them from successfully achieving their goals. In the November 2009 issue of Black Enterprise, an executive for Campbell Soup Co. in Camden, New Jersey, Rosalyn Taylor O’Neael, was featured as a woman who has never denied her sexual orientation, but admitted that it has cost her some jobs and consulting contracts. O’Neale believes who she is as an individual is in itself a great asset to her company. Recognizing your own strengths and the values you are able to add to your organization is what matters most.

DIVERSITY TRAINING MAY NOT BE ENOUGH

The question still remains, “Is corporate America ready for the LGBT community?” Even with many companies revising and implementing diversity training to include the LGBT community, there continues to be no federal laws in place to protect against discrimination or termination because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Pro-LGBT and civil rights organizations are rallying for the passing of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (EDNA), a bill that will prohibit an employee from being fired, kept from being hired, or denied a promotion based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. An Act of this nature would also prevent an employee from being fired just because they are perceived to be a member of the LGBT community.

LET THE WORK SPEAK FOR ITSELF

With bills, laws and acts passed, the question will always remain, “Is corporate America ready for the LGBT community?”. Sure, the government can force an organization to abide by the law, but there will always be someone within that organization who will be against it and have negative feelings towards the LGBT community. So, what do we do? Rather than letting the personality speak for one’s self, let the productivity and the ability to perform the duties in such a manner that demands recognition. The more a person focuses on their sexuality, the organization will focus more on it as well. On a daily basis, LGBT employees face exclusion from general or specific networking opportunities, and/or other company events, restriction in their contact with clients or customers, and a lack of LGBT role models or leaders. There will be actions and scenarios that a person will be in that encourages isolation and loneliness within a professional environment. The goal is to not let your sexuality define who you are and to not let it stop you from pursuing success. Show the world that you are able to accomplish whatever you set your mind to and/or including adding to an organization’s bottom line, despite the gender of the person you love.

Reference:
Hutson, B. (2009, November). The “coming out” challenge. Black Enterprise, 55-56.

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