From the Editor: Truly Family-Friendly
This year, there is a certain set of buzzwords and rhetoric swirling around the radical far Right that is especially concerning. While on the surface, “groomers” and “pedaphiles” are the obvious enemies, people we want to keep out, and “family-friendly” is a good thing, meaning all-ages and for kids, those terms aren’t being used the way most of us think of them.
According to the Right, simply speaking about queer issues in school, explaining that some kids have two moms or two dads, is “groomer,” behavior, and exposing kids to queer spaces with drag or giving them the freedom to explore their gender is child abuse, or worse. And “family-friendly” is becoming a dog whistle meaning a space or group that is not queer-affirming.
That’s why, around the time of the holidays, it is so important to create spaces that truly are affirming for youth and friendly for families of all kinds, no matter what that looks like. OFM is celebrating with our Gay and Merry Market, an event held December 3 at the Milk Market to celebrate queer love, families, and the joy of the season.
And in this issue, we celebrate all things queer and truly family-friendly, including YouthSeen, a group that uplifts POC, queer kids, and some celebs and queens who embody these ideals.
So, however you celebrate, and whatever you celebrate, know this: Showing love and support is not grooming, and the only way to be truly family-friendly is to love and include all families. Seasons greetings to you and yours, and we’ll see you again in the new year, bolder and better than ever.
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