The Geography of Inequality

I spend a considerable amount of time searching news sources, I like to consider it one of my hobbies. If I have a computer in front of me, I typically have open a minimum of five tabs, 3 of which are news sources. I love the news. Its my connection to the world and my link to home. Some of my Facebook friends say "I wouldn't know what was going on in the world if it wasn't for your Facebook status." Some might take offense to that, I take the compliment. I always have the urge to post articles on this blog and rant and rave about them, but then I remember some big important bosses in Washington D.C. sit at their desk all day checking in on Peace Corps Volunteers blogs, making sure we are remaining diplomatic, unbiased and respectful. So, I post them to my Facebook page and call it good. But not today...

The U.S. is hailed as the land of the free, home of the brave right? We pride ourselves on the fact we are the melting pot of the world (unless you're from the Midwest), the leader of the universe and defender of said freedom. But what is freedom? The constitution, government and political leaders frequently consider freedom the ability for people to live their lives the way they chose, I disagree.

Center for American Progress, the Family Equality Council, and the Movement Advancement Project, in partnership with COLAGE, The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, and the National Association of Social Workers recently made a special report titled "All Children Matter: How Social and Legal Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families" The report states that roughly 2 million children are being raised by LGBT families, unless of course you live in one of the states where gay adoption is illegal (Utah, Louisiana, Mississippi, Michigan, and North Carolina), and that's a discussion for another day my friends.

The most interesting thing I found out of the report is the map of the top 12 states where same-sex couples are most likely to raise children. I'm sure you are expecting to see States like Massachusetts, New York and California right? NOPE, check it out...

Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Alaska. 

Shocked?  Not me. Indeed, LGBT families are everywhere in the U.S., including the mountains of Wyoming, the wheat fields of Kansas, Sarah Palin's Alaskan farm, Sally Kern's Indian territory and even the mega church South. The interesting part of the list is that these families are choosing to live in some of the most hostile environments for LGBT people, States that discriminate on just about anything pertaining to LGBT equality. The laws of their lands are restricting them from some of the most basic rights, like making medical decisions for your family members...

The part of our countries discriminatory laws that really upsets me is when coming to parental recognition. In 35 states, parental recognition at birth is completely lacking. And the GOP says children should be raised with two parents, heaven forbid they be gay, because LGBT parents can't even be recognized on their child's birth certificate. Two loving people who want to bring a well taken care of child into the world have to fight to be recognized as that child's parents? That doesn't sound like freedom to me...

 

The report goes on to outline how these laws combined with social stigma create obstacles for LGBT families, focusing on three major topic areas related to the needs of all children: stable, loving homes; economic security and health and well-being. Some examples include:

• Children are denied permanent homes.
• LGBT families face unwelcoming health care environments.
• LGBT families face social stigma and discrimination.

The other two interesting points of discussion is the percentage of families raising children who live in poverty. Take away people's right to choose, and this is what you get....

Oh, and can't forget those lovely taxes that LGBT families recognized on...

The report does conclude with some positive driving forces for the LGBT parenting movement though, ones that I think will help fuel the law makers for LGBT adoption. Their recommendations suggest recognizing LGBT families (helllllllo, we're here to stay), providing equal access to health care and protecting LGBT families from discrimination. This report demonstrates the progressive approach the movement is taking to ensure every child has the right to loving parents. The Human Rights campaign is taking a positive approach to ensuring the protection and rights of LGBT parents all around the country with their All Children, All Families initiative. If you are interested in the work they do, check out their website at www.hrc.org.