(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) An online magazine called “Fatherly” published an article encouraging fathers to bring their children to pride festivals, even attempting to rationalize the act.
The thread is comprised of several tweets saying you should “absolutely,” encouraging conversations about “new things” they might see.
Considering the benefits for all families — including seeing other LGBTQ+ families like yours, or showing up as an ally if your family members are straight and cisgender — the answer is ABSOLUTELY! pic.twitter.com/oHF5o231BQ
— Fatherly (@FatherlyHQ) June 1, 2022
“Considering the benefits for all families—including seeing other LGBTQ+ families like yours, or showing up as an ally if your family members are straight and cisgender—the answer is ABSOLUTELY” the initial post reads.
Several quotes from credentialed academics are included as well
“Talk to your children about Pride as if it’s not just this big party, but it’s a celebration of being—that it’s a recognition of historical oppression and uprising,” Jessica Fish, Ph.D said.
They also endorse a book called “Rainbow: A First Book of Pride” as an introduction to the festivities.
The article, which is written by a woman, encourages reading more books with kids beforehand to “ensure that your family is respectful of queer people while at pride.”
Going on to introduce associate professor of social science at the University of Minnesota, Jenifer McGuire, Ph.D., who has attended gay celebrations “across the world” with her lesbian partner and children.
McGuire recommends preparing children for “adult content,” “nudity” and “other surprises,” arguing that the benefits outweighed the possible negatives.
“They just had to learn to laugh and enjoy things. Like there were these Beanie Babies with giant penises on them,” McGuire says. “For a fourth- and fifth-grade kid, that’s super funny.”
Responding to the article, people posted some highlights of past year’s pride celebration.
So this is still my favourite pride photo from @BirminghamPride 2019….
A little girl came running up to us, we got a photo and I made her day….
Nothing bad happened, she just thought we was dressing up as dogs… her parents thanked us… 😊Happy to know I made her day! 😄 pic.twitter.com/lHG2dW47uY
— kai #EGN (@KaitheGaymerzs) May 25, 2021
Children at Lancaster Pride were being lured into a tent with toys to play with men dressed up as dogs (a sexual fetish / paraphernalia). Is this really OK?@Womens_Voices_ @ObjectUK @ReSistersU @NSPCC @LancsPolice #childsafeguarding #childabuse https://t.co/qrRkHuZpCj
— Platypus XX (@platypus_xx) June 22, 2019