WRF2 : We Are Family Too

My family make me feel like I am the luckiest person alive. I have a beautiful partner and a beautiful daughter. I am privileged to be a parent and a partner. To have other people to support and share the joy and the struggles of life. That each member know that they are cherished and loved, even when there are arguments and difficulties. Its a wonderful thing and to always remember that, you never know how long you have got. Tell the people that are closest that you love them every day just in case.

- Fiona Clarke, Meath

There are many different definitions available for the word family:

a social unit living together,
primary social group; parents and children,
a person having kinship with another or others

Family to me is much more the last of those three definitions.

I have kinship with my mother – because it is she who raised me.
I have kinship with my father – because he guided me when needed.
I have kinship with my brother and sisters – because without each other we wouldn’t be the people we are now.
I have kinship with my friends – because we love and support each other through difficult times.

Family is much more than people that share your genetic structure. In fact some people never meet their biological “family” some people are adopted, grow up in state care or are fostered. This doesn’t mean they don’t have a family.

I have a large family – a family that has been forged over time that consists of not only blood relations.

To me family is the people you share your life with.

- Ben Slimm, Kerry
Reproduced from is blog with permission.

When I was young it was my brother, sisters, and parents. I was the youngest in my household so I would depend on them and they were always there for me no matter what. I felt part of a loving environment and knew that what ever happens down the road I would have the support of my family.

As I grew so did my family, friends became more like siblings, we all watch out for each other and all have love for one another. If one of us were in need the rest would lend a hand and have a shoulder to cry on or a level head to give advice. I live with four very close friends at the minute who I am happy to call part of my family.

But I can’t help think on the future, when they will be all married off and having families of there own… Will I find a partner? Will we be allowed to get married? Have kids? Will our laws protect my children like they would of the children of my friends? Will our kids be made fun of for having two dad’s?

However life turns out for me I know I will have the support and love of my family, but still would like the chance to start my own some day to love and share my life with them.

- Joe Mulrennan, Roscommon

The idea of ‘family’ has become a political issue. For me, the basic principle is that families take many different forms but they should be treated equally. That is true whether a family is founded on a gay or straight relationship, or whether it is non-marital or marital. It is a matter for each individual family whether ‘family’ includes children, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles – or not. What matters is the familial bond between individuals, not the form the family takes.’

- Senator Ivana Bacik, Dublin

From the always ideal Waltons to the truly dysfunctional menagerie that is the Simpson family we all know that families come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments. I consider myself to have two families, the blood line that I have come from and the many LGBTQ friends that I have made in Dublin and further afield. I think of them as my family too.

Just like any family at times there are spats, there are times when you have to step on eggshells and times you have to tell someone their outfit is fabulous when in fact it looks like a fashion car crash; all this comes with the territory and I know that when I really need help, support or just an ear to bend my LGBTQ family will be there for me with a bottle of red in their hands.

I think that this years pride theme, “”We Are Family Too”", is especially relevant as we eagerly anticipate the passing of the Civil Partnership Bill. To be united as partners in the eyes of the state is progress but LGBTQ family units deserve recognition too and I hope that a day will come that we get same the same rights as everyone else; the sooner the better too.

Have an amazing pride and make sure you go all of the Pride Events!!!
Will Keane, Dublin Pride 2010 Head of Events, Dublin

“Family means love, support, security, safe. Family is a secure environment to be yourself around those you love, a place to grow.
Family is parents and children together.

If straight couples can adopt children & artificially get pregnant to create their “”family”", then why can’t we!”

- Julie Stimpson, Dublin

What does family mean to me? Well it entirely depends on the context of the word.

When people ask about my family, I know they are talking about my parents and my sister. Sometimes that family can be wider to include my Grandmother, but by and large it is static.

When I think of my family I think of the same.

When I think of the family I want, that is when my view changes.

The family I want looks something like this.

Me
My Partner
Children

Not so different to the one I grew up with, but with a few differences. My Partner is also male. And the family is not based on marriage, but on a Civil Partnership.

This family is as loving as the one I grew up in. It is as nurturing and inspiring as the one I grew up in.

Why can’t I have a family like that?”

– Stephen Spillane, Cork

“The person chosen to share life with & children resulting from that union, who are a combination of all that is you and the other person and the exciting new individual created. Family members are loyal & look out for each other because they have worked hard and sacrificed many things to achieve the wholeness that is a true family. There is no material luxury in existence that comes close to the warmth of sharing every day of life with others who are so deeply significant.”
- Kate Bopp, Tipperary