Food Shopping

As an LGBT+ parent, you can sometimes feel like you are the only one representing the LGBT+ community, and that the entire reputation of the community rests on your shoulders. This sense of pressure can make it hard to enjoy the simple things, and the key chores like going food shopping can feel like your changing the world one loaf at a time . 

I remember taking my son food shopping and feeling like we were very different from the other families around us. We were the only same-sex couple in the store and it felt like all eyes where on us!!

Of course it can be easy to get bogged down with the idea that we have to represent the entire community and dispel any negative stereotypes. However, the truth is that we should not be expected to shoulder this burden alone, so what if our baby cries in the trolley whilst we are food shopping. This doesn't make us ‘bad’ parents! FYI our baby never cried in the trolley lol

Instead, we should try to focus on the positive aspects of representation. By living our lives openly and unapologetically, we can serve as positive role models for other LGBT+ families and individuals. We can show them that they are not alone, and that it is possible to create a happy and successful family, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The other families in the store may not have looked like us, but that doesn't mean they were all that different. After all, everyone has their own unique set of challenges and experiences to navigate as we all start our journey into parenthood, regardless of when that might start.

Rather than shying away from situations that make us feel different, we should embrace them as an opportunity to educate others and challenge stereotypes. Whether it's in the food store or on the playground, we can use these moments to show that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that love is what truly matters.