As preparation for the birth I'm trying to sort out some sort of network of gay parents in London. You'd think with the wonders of Google and Facebook it won't be a problem to find many gay parents in London, but you'd be surprised. Only one person joined my Facebook group and she's only thinking about becoming a parent for the time being. It's been just the two of us for the last few months.
I took a calculated risk and posted on a general parenting forum and asked them what do they suggest I should do. Two posters, who are apparently the forums' local clowns, started making rude and inappropriate gay jokes. Another poster made the ignorant comment that I should get to know people first and only then confide in them that I'm gay as if that's some kind of secret and someone else voiced serious concern for the safety of my kids being raised with gay parents (due to society's reaction, rather than our specific parenting skills). I wonder if he would advise black people not to have children too in case they'll have to face racism as they grow up...
That little interaction was a bit depressing, but also eye opening. This is exactly the kind of crap I should be bracing myself for. And this is exactly why it'll be nice to have the support of people in the neighbourhood who go through something similar.
It's going to be one heck of a ride...
--Mickey
