24 Oct Rainbow Mums
‘Rainbow Mums – Stories of Gay and Bisexual Parents’ is a podcast. In the series I interview some amazing LGBTQ+ people, who have found ways to be themselves in the world; and who have become parents along the way. How does life work in a LGBTQ+ family?
Each person brings their unique history into the recording studio, along with their different journeys into parenthood. Each Rainbow Mum gave me reasons to celebrate, with a series of vivid impressions, of the chosen families that surround each of them, and the different routes they took to become parents.
Different themes emerge in each conversation, but include navigating homophobia, shame, coming out as a lesbian, the complexity of life as a bisexual or polyamorous person. We also explore some of the joys of LGBTQ+ families such as the advantages of chosen family, acceptance, lesbian marriage, and being proud of our diversity. As well as sexual identity, there are also many different routes into parenthood, and we hear from Rainbow Mums who may or may not also be biological parents.
After the award-winning success of Rainbow Dads, being invited by Executive Producers Richard Shannon and Nicholas McInerny, to host Rainbow Mums, was an honour. The brave folk who came to share their stories were all fascinating; I just had to be curious. This feels particularly powerful in world whether because of fear, shame, political or religious pressures, people are unable to express themselves openly.
Through becoming visible as queer parents, we represent some possibilities of the choices and serendipities, as well as the challenges and triumphs in our lives. Thanks so much to all those LGBTQ families who have helped to make Rainbow Mums, and to those who choose to hear our voices.
Rainbow Mums graphic by Ben Poultney.
Sarah Pletts is a Grief Tender and Artist who offers workshops in London and online, sharing rituals where grief on all themes is welcome. For more information about Grief Tending events see here.
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