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NEW GAY PARENT MAGAZINE ISSUE

Now available is our 26th anniversary November-December 2024 issue #157

Read a digital copy FREE here, https://bit.ly/40mVfGs

Visit our website for family resources https://www.gayparentmag.com/

Snapshot:

Gay Parent Magazine’s November-December issue #157 marks our 26th year of publishing. When Gay Parent Magazine was first launched, LGBTQ parenting information was not readily available as it is today, so we received extremely positive feedback from parents feeling isolated. Since then, we’ve witnessed and reported on many milestones, from first gay adoptions and LGBTQ singles and couples fulfilling their dreams of raising children, to legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, and watching our LGBTQ community achieve pivotal roles in local, state and now federal government.

On our cover meet Morgan Henry Kerr and her family. Morgan says she is “a creative, proud wife and queer mom from the Pacific Northwest in her perimenopause and preschool era.” Morgan talks about her parenting journey and where it has led her.

November is National Adoption Month and in this issue we feature Brian and Don of the Hiller-Dupont family of New York. Brian's and Don's musical backgrounds brought them together. The couple became parents after adopting Brandon. Brian observed the interaction between his husband and their nephew, and in a flash, ran outside, and said, “We need to add to our family.” Interested in adding to your family? Use our list of adoption and foster care related resources and services in this issue to build your family.

David F.M. Vaughn and Gavin Lodge are the hosts of an irreverent, informative, and inspiring podcast called Gaytriarchs. Read why they chose that name and about their families. David summed it up best by stating, “it is progress when a comedy show about gay parenting can exist.”

Regular contributor, Ali Rothlizzi writes about her family attending their local Pride celebration on Long Island, New York as well as their vacation to Hershey Park in Pennsylvania.

Learn about a new social platform for LGBTQIA+ families called Tumy Time.

Immersion Camp, 2016. Closing Circle. 

           In all of the Where Are They Now interviews the interviewees (members of our community who have been away from the physical space of camp for some time now) have brought up an important facet of the Wayfinder community. The idea that you can leave camp for any amount of time, and you will always be welcomed back in. The way I have always pictured it is to see camp and our community within that physical space (even though we’re not always at the same location the physical space when the community comes together for an event) as a circle. No matter how long you step away from that circle, we will always have a spot for you to return to. There is no guarantee that you will come back to see the same faces as when you left, and more than likely there will be more new ones than familiar ones. I can promise though that you will be welcomed with the same warmth, the same love that you had when you left.

              It helps this idea (both the circle I picture in my head, and the reality of returning to camp) that we put a lot of practice into doing this. At the start of every camp, and then again each morning, we open with a circle. During this time everyone is invited to share how they are feeling, what new experiences they have had since the last circle they were a part of, whether it has been hours or years since they held that space. An exercise I’ve always loved in our circles is when we take a silent moment, look around the circle person by person, and smile at every face that we see. It doesn’t matter who they are or how well you know them, every face you come across is returning that feeling to you.

  HVSS Day camp, 2016. A game of Human Knot.       

        Due to the setup of our community around a summer camp, there is always going to be some change in the people who are attending. People’s lives move forward. They go to college. They get jobs. They move on to whatever the world holds next for them. Spending summers at camp you get used to the rotating nature of the people around you. Every time someone new comes to camp it’s a chance to bring someone new into the fold. It’s always exciting to see what they bring into the space with them. New games. New ideas. There’s also, almost guaranteed, to be a friend who has been long absent. Someone who wasn’t able to be at camp for whatever reasons, or you two just haven’t been at the same weeks. Every camp is a chance to reenter these friendships. The function of being a summer camp means that the majority of the people at camp will not see each other maybe nine months out of the year. The friendships we have suspend in time, they tie to the space we hold at camp. It’s why it’s so easy for us to come and go in each other’s lives, to maintain relevance, as Marika put it so well a few weeks ago. We have grown use to coming home to each other.

         It can be hard to understand making your home in other people. The idea of home we are always sold probably attaches to a specific structure or town. My home is Wayfinder. It has been since I was 13 years old and came to my first camp. Since then I’ve spent time with Wayfinder at upwards of twenty different lands and locations. No matter where we go, no matter what difficulties that land possesses (everything from giant mosquitos to non-potable water) I know I will be home. Home is the place where you can be yourself, whatever the most honest version of that looks like. Camp is a place where not only are we encouraged to be our real selves, we take time to work on that piece. I talked a couple weeks ago about how characters help us build ourselves so I don’t need to go deeply into it again here, but feeling at home in that space is a big portion of being able to do that work.

Finale Camp 2015, Bardic Circle. 

        I’ve lived in six states and three time zones. I’ve told myself more springs than I’d like to admit that the coming summer would be my last one at camp, that it was time for me to grow up and move on to a new home. In 2014 I didn’t go to camp for the first time since I started in 2003. The year that followed was one of the hardest, most isolated of my life. There were a lot of external strains that led to this throughout the year as well, but I would be lying if I didn’t notice the weight of not getting to come home to camp and be me. Not having the time to put my stress aside and sit in a circle and fall asleep in the grass when I’m probably not supposed to (OK I’m definitely not supposed to and am probably supposed to be running the circle). Camp is my home. Who knows how long we get to call any one particular place home?  If you get the chance to, come back. We miss you.

Summer camp is more than just a fun way to keep kids busy—it’s a powerful environment where children develop critical life skills that prepare them for success in school and beyond. Two of the most important skills cultivated at camp are independence and social confidence. Here’s how summer camp in Dubai helps kids grow into capable, confident individuals:

1. Learning to Do Things on Their Own

At camp, children step into a world where they’re encouraged to take responsibility for themselves—from packing their bags and following a schedule to completing tasks without constant supervision. These small, daily experiences help kids:

Make decisions without relying on parents

Develop a sense of ownership over their actions

Gain confidence through trial and error

Result: Kids return home more self-assured and capable of handling age-appropriate responsibilities on their own.

2. Making New Friends from Diverse Backgrounds

Dubai’s multicultural summer camps bring together children from many cultures, languages, and communities. This diverse environment teaches children how to:

Start conversations and find common ground

Respect differences and work with others

Express themselves clearly and confidently

Whether through group games, creative projects, or shared meals, campers naturally build the social tools needed for positive relationships.

3. Solving Problems & Navigating Challenges

From team competitions to camp activities, kids often face challenges that require them to think critically and work through solutions. They learn how to:

Negotiate during group tasks

Handle disagreements or misunderstandings

Ask for help when needed, rather than giving up

These moments help children become more emotionally resilient and socially adaptable.

4. Discovering Their Voice and Personality

In a supportive, low-pressure camp environment, kids are free to explore who they are. Through role-play, performances, discussions, and group projects, children can:

Try new things without fear of failure

Speak in front of others and build presentation skills

Learn leadership through peer interaction

By the end of camp, many children have discovered new strengths—and are eager to share them.

5. Feeling Safe While Growing

Unlike the often-competitive atmosphere of school, camps are structured to support every child. With trained staff, clear rules, and a nurturing approach, kids are encouraged to take risks in a safe and guided setting—an ideal foundation for independence and social development.

Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Growth

What to Expect at a Summer Camp in 2025 – A Look into Splash N’ Party’s Program

As summer 2025 draws near, many parents are exploring ways to keep their children engaged, active, and learning during the school break. One standout option in Dubai is the Splash N’ Party Summer Camp 2025, tailored specifically for kids aged 4 to 10 years.

Running from 30th June to 22nd August, this camp blends hands-on learning with energetic play. Children can explore a wide variety of activities including STEM projects, slime making, creative arts, cooking sessions, and thrilling water fun like splash pads, slides, water aerobics, and aquatic Zumba. These activities are designed to nurture creativity, build social skills, and encourage physical fitness in a safe, supervised environment.

The camp takes place from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and includes a healthy lunch, easing the burden on busy parents. With daily and weekly pricing options, it offers flexibility to fit different family schedules.