Howard Brown’s successful drug and drama free party for LGBTQ youth and friends announces its 2004 dates. Synergy is located at Ann Sather, 929 W. Belmont, and runs from 8-11:30 p.m. There’s a $5 donation to help support the dance. E-mail to SYNERGY@howardbrown.org or call (773) 388-1600 x3367.
Dates for 2004: Feb. 7, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 25.
Lambda Launches Child Custody Resources
Lambda Legal announced the launch of a new child custody resource for married parents who divorce when one comes out as gay or lesbian. ‘Too often, gay or lesbian parents leaving a marriage feel they have to choose between raising their children and being honest about who they are,’ Lambda said.
Two publications were made by Lambda Legal providing guidance in resolving child custody and visitation issues that emerge when a couple divorces because one parent is gay. One publication is geared toward the gay or lesbian parent, ‘You Don’t Need to Choose,’ and the other is aimed at the heterosexual spouse, ‘What’s Best for Your Kids?’
The goal is to keep the focus on what is best for the children and reinforce that sexual orientation has no bearing on parenting skills, Lambda Legal said. ‘Sexual orientation shouldn’t be used as a weapon in child custody battles. Most courts now recognize that sexual orientation has no bearing on what it means to be a good parent,’ said Michael Adams of Lambda Legal. ‘Straight spouses need to sort through their feelings of hurt and anger and build bridges of understanding with the gay or lesbian parent in order to co-parent effectively. This may take some time. Unresolved anger and hurt can turn into bitterness, acts of revenge, or despair, all of which don’t do anyone any good, especially the child,’ said Amity Pierce Buxton, executive director of the Straight Spouse Network.
See www.lambdalegal.org or call Mairead Walsh at Lambda Legal at (212) 809-8585 or email outreach@lambdalegal.org. Also see www.ssnetwk.org.