Dr. Phil's "Modern Families" Show Excludes Queer Families

Dr. Phil hosted a show today called "How Do You Define a Modern Family?" which featured different families and issues including childless couples, single parents, cross-cultural adoption, and age differences between couples. The show did nothing to address queer families of any sort and reinforced the myth of the "traditional family" unit.

The shows excerpt says:

"In the 1950’s, the ideal family consisted of a mother, father, two kids and a white picket fence. But the traditional family unit has evolved with extended families, single parents, gay parents, adoption and no children" (Dr Phil).

Sounds like a good show right? Too bad his show featured no same-sex families with or without children. Any show on "modern families" should be inclusive of sexual and gender diversity, featuring gay/bi and trans families. What about polyamorous families, are they not modern or does Dr. Phil disregard them as a family?

Dr. Phil's show has had a number of offensive programs about the LGBT community. His silence on LGBT issues especially when relevant in a show like this is equally offensive.

Send your comments to Dr. Phil demanding fair and inclusive LGBT coverage.

Sign our twitter petition demanding more progressive coverage on queer issues.

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Our Families Count - Fill Out the Census!

HRC has launched Our Families Count and is urging LGBT people to fill out the census so that the government can distribute funds and social services that are are needed for our community. Sexual orientation and gender identity will not be questions on the 2010 census, and will likely be included in future censuses. However, this is the first time the census will recognize and analyze the number of married same-sex couples.

• Same-sex couples are encouraged to check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.

• The census only provides two options with regards to gender, male or female. Transgender people are encouraged to check the box that most closely matches their gender identity.

Take action to contact the 2010 census and urge them to provide an accurate assessment of LGBT families, and to push to include questions based on sexual orientation and gender identity in upcoming versions.

Open Forum: Are Gay Parents Scared of Prospect of Gay Children?

We all know that many straight parents conceive of and fear the idea that their child may grow up to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. They figure, "they wouldn't raise their child to be like that, and that they don't have that problem in their family" but low and behold a percentage of children will grow up to become queer identified.

Queer headed households are daring and challenging societies concept of family structure by being whom they are while still embracing the joys of family life, conception and adoption. LGBTQIA parents bill themselves as more understanding and open minded because of their own experiences growing up different.

When push comes to shove, are LGBT parents scared of the prospect that their very own child may be gay or transgender? Did you ever consider the possibility that a child of an LGBT parent may have a tough time coming out to their family?

It isn't that these parents wouldn't understand sexual and gender diversity, they do but they also have to face a society that has had very little exposure to queer parenting. Are LGBT parents afraid, people will point a finger and say "see gay parents do raise gay children." Is it possible that gay kids will fear coming out so that they don't disappoint their parents making them think they did a poor job?