The portrayal of gay families and surrogates is a touchy issue. While gay families definitely aren’t new, the discussion and portrayal of them in mainstream media is just starting to hit its stride. As with any budding forum, the fewer the voices the louder each one of them rings and the more clout they hold. So it’s understandable that those that are living embodiments of the subject matter would have some strong opinions about how gracefully the discussion is starting to take shape.

I came across this article on OUT.com entitled: “What’s Wrong with the New Normal.” While it had a couple of biting lines, including a call for “less kitsch and more class,” I thought it was well thought out, held space for other’s opinions, referenced the author’s ownership over a singular opinion (that seemed to come from the heart), and was generally… well… classy. The tone of the article also seemed to offer structure for those commenting to respond with their opinions in a similar way. The comments were overwhelmingly respectful and held a, “I get that/don’t get that, but here’s what I think” vibe. I thought this article and the comments to it were great examples of how we can hold thoughtful safe space for each other, even when the other holds a point of fervent disagreement.

So what are YOUR thoughts on how accurately the “New Normal” portrays the “new normal”?

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Traci Medeiros-Bagan
FSC|Third Party Reproduction LGBT Coordinator
As an ardent musical fan who was sorely disappointed with the pilot episode of Glee but over time fell in love with how the show created serious discussion space that was simultaneously colorful, campy, and courageous, Traci is holding out that the kitsch of The New Normal may pull you in but that the heartfelt class is on its way.

Tags: LGBT parenting, Out magazine, Out.com, Portrayal of Gay Families, surrogacy, The New Normal