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LGBT Parenting Network
July 2007, E-News

Updated: July 31, 2007

This month:

TAKE A QUICK MOMENT AND HELP US CHOOSE A NAME

The LGBTQ Parenting Network, located now at the Sherbourne Health Centre, and Queer Parenting Programmes at the 519 Church St. Community Centre work together to provide resources, information and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer parents, prospective parents and their families.

We want to find a name to describe our partnership. We've been taking suggestions and have come up with four options that we would like to get feedback on.  To help us with this, we ask that you fill out a VERY SHORT survey (by short, we mean ONE question).  To answer this one question, go to:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Rh2kTlWAyPyZHG_2bcotHMrA_3d_3d  

THANK YOU! 

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CHILDCARE CIRCLE SEEKING TWO MORE FAMILIES

We are looking for two families with kids (between 8 and 18 months old, more or less) to join our daycare circle in the West end. We are organizing a small-scale daycare that allows us (parents) to work part-time  while remaining involved in our kids' first years. Please read the proposal below, and if this is something that interests you contact us with a brief description of your family and a bit about why this daycare idea is interesting to you.

Childcare Circle Proposal
July, 2007

The idea:  A co-operative daycare that runs 4 days a week in our homes starting in September 2007 in the downtown west end. The care will be 100% provided by the 4 families involved and parents will rotate shifts. Each family will be responsible for working 2 days a week - these can both be done by one parent or one day by each parent. Each family will get 2
days a week of daycare in which they are not working.  Each day there will be four children and two adults.  The daycare will operate Mondays through Thursdays.

The people:  So far 2 of the 4 families are confirmed:

Tania and Diane and little Oscar. Tania is a carpenter and home renovator with skills in astronomy and flowcharts. Diane is a gifted pottery instructor, excellent cook and all around organized person. Oscar is 17 months old and loves to smile and dance.  He's pretty chill.

Ginny and Jake and little Beto. Ginny does community justice work and is just getting into immigration consulting. She enjoys giraffes and matching dishes. Jake works as a program coordinator in the trans community and as a baker of artisan breads. He can be found gardening.  Ginny and Jake speak Spanish with Beto. Beto is 8 months old and with your help enjoys walking to and fro, here and there.

The place: One family's home would be ideal however this would not allow for a proper break for that family. The next best thing is holding it in 2 different homes with a switch part way through the week (or every second week?).  The homes should have: a decent amount of space; a nearby park and drop-in; access to TTC; and be relatively near to the other families. Some equipment may need to be moved each week.

The politics (there's always politics):  We will be a daycare that operates with social justice and kindness in mind. Involved parents will be people who think about: anti-oppression; anti-racism; gender; class; disability; culture; and the environment.  Activities and games will be done cooperatively and parents will keep up a continued dialogue about what we are doing and how we are doing it.

The tots:  We are seeking two more families. Our hope is for one child around 18 months and one around 9 months to match the ages of the children already involved. Having said that, we are open to different configurations.

The cost: There will be no fees for this daycare, however there will be shared costs for stuff and outings and each family will be responsible for providing healthy lunch and snacks for one day each week.

Contact:  Jake at jakecat@hotmail.com or 647 439 3320

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REPROMED SEEKS ADMIN ASSISTANT

ReproMed is looking for an Administrative Assistant to support the Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank operations.  This is an opportunity for an ambitious individual with excellent inter-personal skills.

Details of the position can be found at: http://www.repromed.ca/fertility_careers.html

REPROMED is a leading infertility clinic and sperm bank in Canada with staff who deliver medical services with compassion.  The Company is located in the west side of Toronto and markets its services locally as well as nationally and globally.

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VOICES FOR CHILDREN: THE HOPES & ASPIRATIONS PROJECT

Today's kids.  Tomorrow's Ontario.

What's important for our children to grow, thrive, and succeed in Ontario?

While researchers and child advocates may have some answers to this question, we don't have a good idea of what community members across Ontario have to say.

Voices for Children, in partnership with Dr. Jean Clinton, child psychiatrist and researcher at the Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, wants to ask parents, grandparents, and a whole variety of community members across Ontario about their hopes and dreams for Ontario's children and youth—and what they need to succeed. This
information will help all of us to better understand how to engage citizens across Ontario to ensure successful outcomes for all our children.

We'd like to learn what a variety of individuals think—parents, grandparents and folks from across Ontario—anyone over the age of 18. (Young people will have a chance to participate in the next phase.) In the next few weeks we will hold a series of focus groups in various settings across Ontario. Each focus group will last about two hours, and individuals who participate in the sessions will each receive $25.00 for their time.

If you are willing to host a session or if you know of individuals who may be interested in participating, please contact our research coordinator,
Despina Papadopoulos at 647-378-1719 or Cathy Vine at 416-489-5485 as soon as possible.

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SLICE NETWORK SHOW LOOKING FOR LGBT FAMILIES AND THEIR INLAWS

We may have been in contact with you already last year but we are a hit television show on SLICE network looking for GLBT families and their inlaws.  We are beginning our second season and are looking to have more diverse families for this season.

We are looking for families that need help bridging the inlaw divide.  Ellie Tesher (our host) a popular advice columnist and relationship coach brings guidance and insightful tips to participants.  The show is fun but helpful and families who are chosen to participate are financially compensated.  If you are interested, please contact:

Rennata Lopez
Researcher- Media Headquarters
rennatalopez@gmail.com
416 537 8384 x45
www.helpmyfamily.ca

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THE JON-A-THON: An Ordinary Miracle - A benefit for Jonathan Purdy-Flacks and the Sick Kids NICU
 

Jonathan Purdy-Flacks was born on Nov. 14, 2006 with two birth conditons konwns as an Omphalocele, a midline abdominal defect, and Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart defect. Jonathan spent the first 5 1/2 months of his life in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital.  He has endured three major surgeries so far and more surgery will be required this year. 

Jonathan is an inspiring and resilient little warrior.  He is also a special needs child and will require the care of both his parents for many months to come.  Jonathan's parents, Diane Flacks and Janis Purdy are both integral to and much-loved by many in Toronto's LGBT communities.  They have chronicled their amazing journey with Jonathan on the Purdy-Flacks website: www.purdy-flacks.com.  

The Jon-a-thon (www.thejonathon.com) will be a fun, fast-paced night of laughs, music and entertainment, hosted by the uproariously talented Bruce McCulloch.

There will be fantastic silent auction items, donation opportunities and a fabulous cocktail party! 

Come for the laughs, come for the fun, come to raise funds for the Purdy-Flacks family!

Location:  Tarragon Theatre in Toronto 
Date: Monday, July 16th, 2007
Time: 8:00 -10:00pm.
Doors and Silent Auction @ 7pm

PLEASE NOTE:  The show is SOLD OUT.  But you can still donate by cheque, Pay Pal, or at any CIBC location.  
Cheques must include:  
Account Name:  The Purdy-Flacks Benefit Fund
Account # 2622335
Transit # 03702

Or by MAIL:  The Purdy-Flacks Benefit Fund, c/o Michelle Martin, 154 Ellsworth Ave., Toronto, M6G 2K6.

The LGBTQ Parenting Network and the Queer Parenting Programmes at the 519 send our heartfelt love and best wishes to Jonathan, his brother Eli, his moms Janis and Diane, and all those supporting and cheering Jonathon on!

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THANK YOU FROM DYKES PLANNING TYKES COMMITTEE

Thank you to all the dykes and tykes and everybody else who walked with us and cheered us on at the Dyke March on June 23!  It was a beautiful celebration of our communities, our families and our children!   We are putting together a collection of photos (and video clips!)  from the day, so if you have some you'd be willing to share, please send them to: parentingnetwork@sherbourne.on.ca or mail to LGBTQ Parenting Network, 333 Sherbourne, Toronto, M5A 2S5.  

For those of you still wanting t-shirts, we are planning a reprint!  

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PRIDE & JOY: AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD


The latest issue of Pride & Joy, the newsletter of the LGBTQ Parenting Network, is now available for download at: http://www.fsatoronto.com/programs/lgbt/prideNjoyJul07.pdf.

The newsletter includes information about LGBTQ parenting programs in and around Toronto, news about recent and upcoming events and resources,  and, of course, birth and adoption announcements!

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THE FATHER VISIBILITY PROJECT: Calling all Canadian Gay/Bi/Queer/Trans Dads, Granddads or Dads-to-be: People Need Your Stories!

The Father Visibility Working Group, an ad hoc group of gay/bi/queer/trans men established in May 2007, is creating a web-based Father Visibility Project designed to increase visibility and a sense of entitlement to parent amongst gay/bi/queer/trans (GBQT) fathers and prospective fathers.  The group and project spring from the research done by the Gay Father's Research Cluster of FIRA (Father Involvement Research Alliance – www.fira.ca).  Participants in the research from around Canada noted the extreme invisibility of GBQT fathers and support services, as well as a deeply felt lack of entitlement to father.

We believe that you as a gay/bi/queer/trans (GBQT) father, grandfather, or prospective father:

  • Have unique experiences, insights and wisdom to share that will be valued by others who are, are contemplating, or in process of becoming fathers
  • Can decrease a sense of isolation and reinforce insights, pride and possibilities for yourself and for other fathers and potential fathers and their families.

To this end, the Father Visibility Project is collecting 10 stories and photos from fathers, grandfathers and fathers-to-be that reflect the ethno-cultural and geographic diversity of Canadian gay/bi/queer/trans fathers, and explore the many ways we become fathers.

The most convincing and reaffirming stories are those from men "who've been there," or are “going through the process.”  Whether you became a father before coming out, after coming out, are on your way or thinking about it, consider sharing your insights with those who could benefit from your journey.  All selected submissions will be used in whole or in part, subject to editing.  No one's writing will be changed or used without their permission.  

If you are willing to write a brief story (300 -1000 words) about your experiences, challenges, discoveries, and joys of being or - thinking about being - a gay/bi/queer/trans father, please send your story and photo submission, including your name and contact information to:

Chris Veldhoven, queerparenting@the519.org, 416 392-6878 x109.

Submission Deadline: September 30th, 2007.

If you are looking for ideas on how to focus your story, please check out: www.the519.org/programs/Queer_Parenting/father_visibility.shtml.

This web project is supported by the LGBTQ Parenting Network - Sherbourne Health Centre (www.fsatoronto.com) and Queer Parenting Programmes at The 519 (www.the519.org).

All of your stories are important.  Even if not selected, we thank you for your generosity in sharing.

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THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: REACHING OUT TO QUEER PARENTING COMMUNITIES!

Harness That Creative Energy at A Very Special Discount!!  The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (LKTYP) Drama School is reaching out to queer-parenting communities!  The LKTYP Drama School and its staff (including Daddies & Papas2B graduate, Thom Vernon!) are making a special effort to get word out to queer parents and their children about the queer- positive drama and theatre classes offered at LKTYP this summer.  These classes are developmentally-oriented and interest-based.  They are designed to support young people's self-expression, achievement and fun through theatre while practicing pro-social skills such as empathy, problem-solving and conflict resolution.  Look for LKTYP staff at the Back-to-School Queer Family Picnic on Sept. 16, 2007.  Summer classes are still available at a 50% discount to Parenting Network families.  Write the promotional code DS2 QP on the registration form which is downloadable at www.lktyp.ca.  If you'd like that personal touch, feel free to contact Peter directly at 416-363-5131, xt. 242.

About LKTYP: Committed to the development of young people through professional theatre since 1966.

Since 1966, LKTYP has been using live performance to validate the common experiences young people encounter as they grow up in an increasingly complex world. LKTYP's performances are designed to help children and youth identify with the issues they face today and to offer a platform for addressing these challenges in an entertaining way. LKTYP is the largest non-profit theatre company for young audiences in Canada and presents new Canadian plays, innovative works, and classics from children's literature throughout the season. A multi-faceted centre for learning through the arts, LKTYP offers weekend performances for family audiences, weekday school programs for students, quarterly workshops for teachers, and a year-round Drama School.

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NEW GROUP FOR YOUTH WITH LGBTQ PARENTS
FLO: “Families Like Ours”

A NEW group for youth age 13-18 who are the children of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual parents.

Do you sometimes feel like you are the only one with a family like yours?

Do you want to find a place where you can talk about your family with complete honesty and receive support from other youth who share your experiences?

Are you looking to connect with other youth who have a LGBTTQ family?

This twelve-week group will be starting in the fall of 2007 . To get more info or sign up for the group contact: CTYS (416) 924-2100 and ask for intake. Free food & TTC
There will be lots of discussion, Arts, Film and so much more…

FLO is a joint partnership between:
CTYS (Central Toronto Youth Services),
LGBTQ Parenting Network (Sherbourne Health Centre),
Queer Parenting Programs at The 519,
Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE)

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PRIDE WEEK IN YORK REGION: SEPT  3 - 9, 2007


York Region has declared Pride Week from September 3 - 9, 2007.  They will be celebrating with a community picnic, fair and BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 8, followed by a youth dance that evening.  Rachel Epstein, coordinator of the LGBTQ Parenting Network, will be the keynote speaker at the picnic.

The organizers would like to extend a warm invitation to join them at these celebratory events.  For more info: www.yorkpridefest.com.

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL QUEER FAMILY PICNIC: SUNDAY, SEPT 16

Join the LGBTQ Parenting Network and Queer Parenting Programmes at the 519 for a back-to-school queer family picnic on:

Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dufferin Grove Park
(Dufferin, just south of Bloor, across from Dufferin Mall)
BVOP (picnic) and B (blanket) and G (games).
We'll provide small snacks and drinks.  See you there!

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 RESEARCH ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Hello. I am a graduate student of the Sexual Diversity Studies program at the University of Toronto.  I have done work with Professor David Rayside and am currently working with Professor Adam Green.

I am searching for some people who would be interested in telling me about their experiences as a married person.  Some of you are not married nor in a same-sex marriage, but I am hoping you know some folks who are.  If so, please forward this email along.

Here are the details:  

I need people who have been in a same-sex marriage for at least one year.  I will interview only one person in the couple.  I will be scheduling  the interviews throughout the rest of July and first week of August.

Interviews will last approximately 1.5-2 hours.  I can do the interview wherever is most convenient for the participant or at my office at the University of Toronto campus.

For further information, please contact me at any of the following numbers:
Daytime--416-978-7416
Evening--647-203-5651

Or, you can send me an email at robbie.morgan@utoronto.ca.

Best,  Robbie

To view Prof. Green's other research, please look at his website:
http://individual.utoronto.ca/adamisaiahgreen.

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Past LGBT Parenting E-News issues:

Disclaimer: News from the Parenting Network, as with our Pride & Joy newsletter may include reprints, excerpts or summaries from other sources. We cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. We are also happy to publish information about research projects and other community initiatives. We do so in the spirit of sharing information, but do not have sufficient knowledge to actively endorse or advocate participation in particular projects.

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