Being a GLBT Parent in Saipan

I recently wished all of you a happy Thanksgiving Holiday and then dove right into the celebration of our son's first birthday. He turned the big one on November 28th and we, both mommies, took the day off to celebrate the happy occasion. This was followed up with a big party on Saturday with hamburgers and hotdogs. For our daughter's first birthday, who is now three, we had a very small party. (It is recommend one child guest for every year the child is) However, this time we decided when the child is only one years old the party really is for the parents, not the child. Additionally, in this community we have been invited to many children's birthday parties and they are usually full of lots of adults and children. One tends to feel obligated to invite all of those who have invited you to their children's birthday party, not to mention if you invite one you have to invite all as word gets around. Ultimately you still miss inviting people out of pure short-sidedness and hope in the end to not have offended too many.

This leads me into talking about how it is to be a GLBT parent living in Saipan. I have only known of three other GLBT parents here is Saipan. (one gay local couple, one gay mainland couple, and one lesbian Asian couple) When I think of there being four GLBT parent couples (that I know of) in Saipan it makes me think it must be a fairly supportive environment. Yes there isn't any GLBT parent clubs or social support groups. However, I do not feel as if my life is in danger or feel contempt from others living around me which can happen living in other places. I can say that 99% of me feel's just like everyone else. The one percent that doesn't was based on less than a hand-full of experiences here in the past seven years. Living in those places where one does feel a threat it is important to have support groups however, living here I do not feel different from others and that need isn't so important. Every now and then I do miss the GLBT community support group though because it is nice to be around people like myself.

Island Dyke