"Hi! We are two moms who plan to move to Fredericton (from the US) in
the summer of 2008. We have a son who will be seven at that time. I
know some GLBT folks in Fredericton, but none have kids and don't have
a sense of how "things" might be for our son. Some Canadians I've
spoken to think the question is even a little odd, because they see it
as so much more of a "non-issue" than in the States. That it, it is
repeatedly characterized as "Yeah, there are 'conservatives,' but
people don't impose their views on to others as much as in the US."
I've been trying to find blogs, etc. (that's how I found this one)
where I might get folks' opinions on how we might find life in
Fredericton. If the housing we're considering works out, we will
likely live downtown and our son will attend Connaught Elementary
(French Immersion).
Your advice, observations, etc. are most welcome. And, if anyone
wishes to contact me off-blog I can be reached at
2moms2canada@gmail.com
Thank you so much!"
11 comments:
i think with grownups you will find some discrimination to that life style here. this is the way it is in this city and its just a small town. but i can't see it impacting a child too much especially at an elementary school age.
Fredericton is the gay capital. Although there has been a few unfortunate situations where someone was beaten simply because he was gay, Fredericton is a safe city. I know more than a few couples who express themselves freely living in Fredericton. One is a mom of three. You'll be fine. My bf had two mothers and she turned out great growing up there. Good Luck!!
Mandy
Thanks to you both. I've heard great things about Fredericton and my only real concern is what our son might experience (e.g., other kids' parents not letting him play with them or some such).
I'd love to hear from others as to what they think.
Thanks, again!
Well I think that given were the gay capital, I would imagine that a lot of parents know people that are gay so they dont really care whos parents their kids friends have as long as they are good parents. And think about this, if your son has a friend that his parents wont let him play with, well what kind of person do you think this kid is being lead to grow up as? Is that the type of person you want to have your son around?
well i dont know about that i have a lot of friends who were gay and had a hard time here with discrimination etc. and left to go live in toronto where its a bigger citya nd a bit more accepting. but i honestly can't see a child having a hard time with that..not that young anyways.
Hi, Mayghan - re: "...what kind of person do you think this kid is being lead to grow up as? Is that the type of person you want to have your son around?"
Yes, I know what you mean. But, I also know that kids, even this young, often choose their own friends regardless of what the respective parents think. ;-) So, it's not that we would want him to play with the kid anyway - it's more the heartache of dealing with a child who has a classmate who says, "My mom won't let me play with you..."
Now, to be sure, I'm just in a moment of panic and I can't imagine this happening often! I really just wondered what a group of "regular ol' moms" might think!
Hi, Heather - Yes, I have GLBT acquaintances in Fredericton who can't wait to retire back in the "big city." While it would certainly be easier in that regard, a large city just isn't appealing to us for a whole host of reasons. Additionally, we've discovered that we're more interested in being around (progressive) people with kids as opposed to a strong GLBT community where few are parents. Imagine! -)
We're really looking forward to our visit this summer. Concerns aside, everything we've seen makes it seem like a great place. Thanks, again for your thoughts!
well, as a 'regular ol' mom', I don't know what to think. Your family would be welcome at my house any time. No matter where you move, you will have those who accept others as they are, and those who don't (and for many different reasons).
I think in the end it's not about how other people see your family or your son. If you are raising him to be a respectful, loving, understanding, and respectful individual, my guess is that he will do just fine. There are many heartaches as children grow and learn and although we'd like to prevent and protect, deep down we know that it's getting back on your feet after a fall that makes all the difference. Welcome to the city!!!
Hi, Emily (aka "regular ol' mom)! I completely agree with the sentiment you've expressed. Thanks for the post and the welcome!
http://www.geocities.com/Pflagfredericton/index.html
Also, Allison Brewer at 455-5412, was probably the first out family in town. She was leader of the NDP and is well connected within the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) community.
Thanks for the info!
Can't speak for the whole city, but I have gay friends and though I have also seen first-hand some rough treatment (bar scene - probably not a concern to you) of a gay friend, but I just wanted to say that I doubt your child will be targeted. People might act a little strangely just because they are unsure of how to react, but I don't think they would exclude your child because of you. I have a special needs child and have found a great deal of compassion and acceptance from everyone in and around the child care/school community. Parents of "normal" have never shown any inclination that they would prefer their children not play with mine. Integration in New Brunswick means that all are welcome so hopefully no one will even blink at you.
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