Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Gay Parent magazine


Gay Parent magazine is a newsprint magazine featuring personal stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents from across the country and around the world. Parents speak candidly about adoption, donor insemination, using a surrogate and what it is like to raise their children in their part of the world. The magazine focuses on LGBT families in the NY tri-state (NY, NJ and CT) area. It provides resources on gay-friendly private schools, day and overnight camps and family vacation ideas. Resources also include family building such as reproductive technology, adoption and foster care agencies. Book reviews, news, activities, and events pertaining to LGBT parents and their children are also features.
I've seen occasional co-parenting articles in Gay Parent magazine and recommend it to those considering their options.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Sperm and Egg Mixer! *CHANGED TO 3/11/09*



Parenting Partnerships is excited about our first 2009 event called the SPERM and EGG MIXER!

Center Families staff has arranged for this on 3/11/09 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. It will be a community forum 'where the joys, challenges and complexities of co-parenting will be shared by those who know best-gay dads and lesbian moms who are parenting cooperatively. Come discover just how creative, innovative and brave LGBT can be when it comes to exploring the possibilities of new kinds of family structures.' There will be guest speakers (co-parenting families) and hopefully some advocates--attorneys, etc.

We're excited, and hope for a huge turn-out.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Sperm and Egg Mixer - NEW DATE - 3/11/09


Due to unforseen circumstances, Parenting Partnership's SPERM & EGG MIXER has been moved to 3/11/09 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. We hope to see you all there!
Note: The Center should update their site shortly.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Gay and Lesbian Pregnancy Options

This babymed.com article discusses gay and lesbian pregnancy 0ptions--

The Surrogate
This option is utilized by gay and lesbian couples who wish not to carry their own child. The surrogate is impregnated with in-vitro fertilization with the sperm coming from a donor that is either a friend or a sperm bank. It's important to remember the legal ramifications. The surrogate agrees to carry the child and give it up for adoption to the “parents” after childbirth. There have been times when the birth mother chooses to keep the baby after birth and a legal battle ensues.

Donor Sperm
In a lesbian relationship, donor sperm can be used to impregnate one or both parents. The use of in-vitro fertilization will often be used with the one of the lesbian couple being the biological parent of the baby.

Co-Parenting
Co-parenting occurs when a gay and lesbian couple raise a child together. One or both of the lesbians are impregnated with the sperm of the gay male parent. After birth, the couples choose to raise the child together as one family. The impregnation may occur through sexual intercourse or in-vitro fertilization.

Adoption
While there are several cases where gay and lesbian couples have successfully adopted children, the red tape and legal paths are stringent at best. The gay community often face the prejudices of those involved in the adoption process when trying to adopt a child.