Thoughts on Pride and parenting........

[osodecanela]

We picked up the girls this morning at ten.

I asked their mother about taking the older two to Pride, and earlier this week she had her doubts. She's firmly on our side, but the idea the kids might see something a bit 'adult' did not leave her feeling too comfortable. Their dad on the other hand, simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "what's the problem?"

When I told her about the kids' space in the Civic Center, she changed her tune. When I asked if she was OK with our taking Rose and Joyce, she just looked at me hands on her hips.

"You're not leaving April behind."

Well I gotta tell 'ya, wending your way thru a crowd with children is a tiring proposition. The younger two wanted shoulder rides, then wanted down, then up again. I think I need to spend more time pumping iron. It'll make next year easier I think.

Thankfully there was nothing too risque for their young eyes. Rose's eyes bugged out a bit at the young woman who's attire was a ripped skirt and a coupld of strategically placed bandaids. Composing herself, she wondered aloud if the girl in question had had the sense to apply sunscreen, and how does someone wander around that way on a cool morning. It was a little brisk at that hour and those bandaids were looking pretty 'pert'.

Rose also made note of the nuber of guys in kilts. Mind you, both she and I can trace roots back to Scotland, and I was wearing one of mine today. However, that kilts are the new "black" amuses her no end.

The kids loved the play spaces, and street fair food is usually a hit with them. Joyce's reading vocabulary is scarily good for a 6 year-old; she scanned the food stands from a hundred yards away and made her choice clear. She was having the thai chicken kabob. "Do you know what that is?" She certainly did, in some surprising detail. The kid knows her mind.

We managed to connect with Shoshanah and Nann, plus their boys, and with my friend Dwayne (malamute_daddy), as well as his delightful squeeze, Michael. Too short a time to really connect, and unfortunately when charged with the welfare of 3 youngsters (14,6 & 5) at a large public gathering, your attention is in 5 places at once. I'm sorry I was so pre-occupied, guys.

The real joy was the number of folks who looked on SO approvingly.

Two middle aged guys with kids. Kids that know and love them. Kids who're better for the loving interactions with those adults that adore them. It's an adventure in parenting. I know I'm certainly the richer for it, as are I think, our godchildren and our community as a whole.

Comments

[broduke2000.livejournal.com]

During the parade, KRON interviewed a recently married gay couple who adopted a kid. It was neat to see him (about 5 years old) on top of daddy's shoulders as he marched through the parade. The kid looked happy and was well mannered.

Contrast that with a 5 year old Black kid in Oakland, just beginning to tune in Gangsta Rap™ on his radio.

Or 5 year old Mexican kids just learning about street gangs. (We had 2 of them as neighbors last year)

[barbarian-rat.livejournal.com]

There was a time when kids were verboten in the gay community.
We've come a long way, Baby.
Glad y'all had a good time.