Parenting with Pride

Both Justine and Miquela have lived in Taos their whole lives and have deep family roots here. They both work and study in the early childhood education field and attend school full-time, in addition to their very busy parenting schedules. Together, they navigate the complexities of being a same-sex couple in a traditional town with traditional families. Romero says, "I was deeply closeted when I was younger; coming out to my family and realizing that there was a part of me I was hiding for a long time has been a process."

Of her daughter's response to her relationship, "I'm just honest with her, and she tells her friends her family has two mommies, and it's really not a big deal. Kids always know when something is different or if you're hiding something, so it just makes sense to talk it through and speak truthfully." Mondragon says, "I've known and been out with my family since I was a teenager. It wasn't easy for them at first, but they have learned over the years that there is no changing me, and they love and support my daughter, me, and my relationship."

Both moms can't stress enough the need for honesty and transparency with kids and other adults. Miquela says, ”Instead of hiding around the corner and pretending it's not a thing, I say I do have a girlfriend, and you are going to see us being affectionate with each other, and that's okay!" Even though it can sometimes be challenging, they feel supported by their loved ones and colleagues.

Mondragon says, "The (UNM) Kids Campus does a great job of representing our family in my daughter's classroom. Though I am there more, the teachers take care to include both parents in family activities. Since I work there, my colleagues and director, and even families in the school community, have been supportive and take care to ask questions in a way that supports our family dynamics."

Interested in celebrating Taos Pride or having normalizing conversations with your kids about gender identity and sexuality? Here are some ways you can show and teach allyship to young ones:

Head to Pride in the Park! Aug. 5 from 12-5 p.m., join our Taos Pride community at Kit Carson Park on Saturday.

Watch movies or TV series with LGBTQIA+ themes, characters or creators. Representation is so important, and seeing LGBTQ storylines or characters on the screen can open up conversations about diversity, build empathy and improve your child's social interactions. Try the computer-animated short film "Out" or the TV series "Ridley Jones."

Read a book together. We like "Federico and All His Families" by Mili Hernández and "A Family Is a Family Is a Family" by Sara O'Leary, which illustrate family diversity.

Build a Family Kaleidoscope. For this STEAM activity, you will need art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paints, etc.), craft materials (construction paper, glue, scissors, etc.), and computer and internet access. Begin by having a discussion with the kids about different types of families. Explain that families come in all shapes and sizes, including LGBTQIA+ families, and that all families deserve love and respect. Collect stories or interview members of LGBTQIA+ families and compile them into a book or presentation. Encourage the kids to listen to these stories and understand the unique experiences and challenges that LGBTQIA+ families may face. After researching, kids can then create family portraits, explore family roles, and begin designing Safe Spaces: Engage the kids in designing safe spaces or inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ families, which could be a playground, community center, or home. Kids can then start to learn about the meanings of the symbols of the LGBTQIA+ community and history in ways that are age-appropriate.