Chapter 3

cis/hetero definition of family

the common thought is a man, woman and children but those ideas do not recognize families that are lesbian, gay etc..

Two spirit identities

Indigenous communities across NA have cultural and historical teachings that support a rich history of Two-Spirited people and identities.

It is the umbrella term for Indigenous peoples who are recognized as having identities and roles beyond sex/gender binary of male/female.

Colonialism on Two Spirit identities

brought the influence of heteronormative, cis-normative and patriarchal marriage in Indigenous nations.

Missionaries and emerging colonial governments endorse monogamous, hetero, patriarchal marriage as the foundation of the family.

And understood women and children as property of men.

Colonizers prioritized erasing two spirited identities as part of colonial ambitions.

Revitalization of Two spirit identities

Indigenous teachings and practices around family have been an important way in which communities support healing and resurgence.

Same sex activities were decriminalized in Canada in 1969.

stigma and discrimination of LGBTQ

although decriminalized, LGBTQ's peoples experiences of being subjected to brutality of everyday law on the street.

Psychiatrists and other health professionals have a long history of regulating/oppressing LGBTQ people.

HIV brought on a new era of stigma and conversion persecution continues to be an ongoing issue.

LGBTQ resistance

the legal changes were a result of intersectional movements.

1969's Stonewall Uprising is recognized as a foundational event in the Gay Liberation movement in Canada.

In Aug 1971, the first gay and lesbian protests took place in Ottawa and Vancouver in the form of Pride protest and other rights followed subsequently.

Life stages and LGBTQ families - children

sorting children into a gender binary begins before birth.

Gender identity emerges over the course of development and can happy in varied/fluid ways. Research shows that children whos identities are supported have better long term mental/physical well being than children whom experienced attempts to deny/change their identity.

Advocacy asserted that trans/non binary young should have access to all educational opportunities without discrimination

Life stages and LGBTQ - Youth

young peoples experiences of wondering if they are LGBTQ can vary widely.

"coming out" may inspire fears that friends and family will not be supportive.

Many feel more comfortable with umbrella terms such as 'not straight' or gender fluid than more set terms

Online World for LGBTQ

most LGBTQ youth turn to the internet to question their identity. There are many digital supports available online.

Protests to update the curriculum on human sexuality and gender identity has become controversial as questioning if children presenting LGBTQ identities so young is healthy/valid

Life stage and LGBTQ - Adults

actively questioning ones gender norms and the link between gender norms and state power.

The history of being denied the right to family has led to nuanced, creative and political and intentional formations of relationships.

Monogamy and Polyamory

many LGBTQ practice monogamy or poly.

Some queers view 'compulsory monogamy' as a patriarchal social construct and a central form of sexual normally.

LGBTQ and Marriage

in 2001 a bill was proposed to legalize same sex marriage in Canada.

IT did not pass until 2005, which created the Civil Marriage Act to legally allow same sex marriage.

divorce and LGBTQ

while marriage was legal in 2005, it took till 2012 for same sex couples to have legal access to get divorced in Canada.

LGBTQ Parents

The % of LGBTQ parents has risen. Although the predominant culture continues of heteronormative.

SNAF or 'Standard North American Family' continues even though it does not reflect many families.

Options that people have in forming their families have often been shaped by where they live and how much money they have.

LGBTQ Parents pt 2

intersectional identities can influence the impact of LGBTQ parents sexualities and or gender identity in their lives.

Gay and lesbian families divide household labour more equitably in comparison to hetero families. Parent dynamics and divisions of labour shift depending on relationship between method of conception, parenting laws and social norms or divorce.

Children of LGBTQ can benefit from seeing their family style represented in Modern media.

Older LGBTQ Adults

Caring for others can be an important part of older LGBTQ peoples experiences as can receiving care. The health and wellbeing of Older LGBTQ adults are strongly connected to the level of social support that they have.

Evidence supports transphobia and homophobia in home healthcare services and long term care systems.

Broadening Kinship

the fight for marriage equality in Canada heightened the bifurcation between homonormative and trans/queer BIPOC members of LGBTQ communities in terms of their place in society, class status, and legitimacy of their definitions of family.

Same sex marriage only legitimized LGBTQ people who are two person, monogamous, kid desiring middle class families. Thus led to a concept such as "chosen family"