The Ginger Gent
The Menace takes flight
He’s a superhero to kids of Queer families everywhere, and of course a super hero to his queer mom and PinkPlayMags writer, Kelly Wilk. However, as this pint sized dare devil is just turning three I will be doing the writing. So, let me introduce myself. To name a few, I have contributed feature articles to this quarterly queer publication on loose leaf teas, winter drinks to warm you up, picnic spreads, summer tips for water sports in Toronto and the art of going to farmers’ markets.
For the last year I have also been writing under the guise of a superhero, on “The High Flying Adventures of Captain Grief” (www.captaingrief.com). The Captain is the super-strength, unapologetic alter ego I created to give myself an outlet after the death of my wife in 2012. Being a new single mom, my son, the Ginger Menace in question, was a frequent flyer on my weekly blog. Now however it is time for his day in the sun, so I am starting a blog of his own.
How do I parent a secure, confident child, especially if that child belongs to a family with one or more queer parents? That is the focus of my upcoming article “Proud Families,” in the PinkPlayMags springplay! April 2014 issue. However, this new monthly blog will allow The Menace and I to swoop into that conundrum together.
After confirming with other queer parents the consensus seems to be that parents, whether they be gay, lesbian or straight can all be excellent in so far as they can model healthy behaviours and attitudes, such as equal division of labour and cooperation. This of course includes attention to physical, mental and emotional health as well as important concepts like inclusivity and awareness of difference.
So put on a cape and take flight with The Ginger Menace and I as we explore queer parenting.
About the Author
Kelly Wilk is a freelance writer and single mom to red-headed, Irish, Aries boy who is growing up way too fast. Follow their adventures on PinkPlayMags' parenting blog "The Ginger Gent" , and also on Kelly's own website and blog, Brave. Creative. Me at www.kellywilk.ca