|
|
|
|
Diverse families in Lithuania: real and getting stronger
NGO “House of Diversity and Education” launched a project on family diversity in September 2012. This project aims at uniting families of various forms: not only “traditional” families, where father and mother are raising children, but also single parent families, migrant families, families with grandparents or siblings running the household, and also multi-ethnic families in Lithuania. Different cultural experiences are important, so we can learn from each other, and build bridges of mutual understanding.
Informational website www.ivairiseima.lt (diverse family) was created to inform and also open a discussion on family in which every member is safe and equal. All families and couples must be respected and valued without prejudices as to their nationality, gender and family structure.
The society should understand that family is based not on genetic or blood relations, but emotional links, trust, and most importantly – responsibility for each of its members. We should learn to respect each other, rather than promoting just one model, which represents only some families.
Diverse families also include same-sex families – they do exist in our society, although are often unnoticed. NGO “House of Diversity and Education” has undertaken a review of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) persons in Lithuania during the summer of 2012. It showed that 54 percent of LGBT persons are living in stable long term relations, and 20 percent of them are raising children. All of the persons who are raising children in Lithuania (according to the interviews) are lesbian or bisexual women, who are raising children as single mothers or in a relationship
with another woman. There are also gay and bisexual men in Lithuania, who choose to raise children, sometimes with another same-sex couple of mothers.
Lesbian and bisexual mothers, raising children together in Lithuania, very often do not feel safe. The review revealed they pointed out both psychological and legal insecurity. Children raised in same-sex families are indirectly punished for their parents’ sexual orientation.
Kindergardens or primary schools are inviting parents of the children to regular events. Would it be possible for two “moms” come to the event? Not just “a mom“ and “an auntie” – but two mothers, without the need to hide this fact? When children understand their family is different, they start fearing communicating with classmates and inviting them to their homes. The social pressure infringes the rights of such children, forces them
into situations of exclusion, and bullying.
Having in mind the needs of diverse families in Lithuania, NGO “House of Diversity and Education” organizes educational seminars for adults. In October, almost 40 pedagogues (current and studying) participated in an interactive seminar “Diverse families in Lithuania: forms and identities.” In November, a small and intimate seminar “Shield of fear: is it worth hiding?” was held. In January 2013, a seminar “How to talk to children
about diversity?“ took place, where both pedagogues and parents have been invited to think, how to talk with children about “uncomfortable” topics.
From February, LGBT persons are invited to a therapy group, led by a psychologist. Other events /seminars are also upcoming.
NGO “House of Diversity and Education“ also seeks meet the needs of socialization of diverse families: for instance, by organizing
picnics, theatre excursions, and other events for (both LGBT and straight) diverse families. This strengthens parents and children, raises awareness, empathy and confidence. In September 2012, diverse families went to an adventure park, where the bravest ones went wild on various tracks in the trees, while others simply enjoyed nature and communication. In the end of January, diverse families visited theatre, and
drank hot chocolate in the Old Town of Vilnius. On 5th of May, the celebration of the International Family Equality Day is planned. The International Family Equality Day was launched in 2012 as a sign of solidarity and strength, and to promote equality for all families (internationally).
The project is partially funded by the Netherlands Embassy in Vilnius, for which we are very grateful. The website www.ivairiseima.lt is
running with the efforts of volunteers and enthusiasts, who are truly amazing and inspiring.
We hope that someday, there will be no need to argue for the value of every child and every family. Until that day comes, everyone is welcome to join us in the quest for the future-for-all, and fun.
RELATED:Lesbian couple with children says: “We want to live without fear”
Informational website www.ivairiseima.lt (diverse family) was created to inform and also open a discussion on family in which every member is safe and equal. All families and couples must be respected and valued without prejudices as to their nationality, gender and family structure.
The society should understand that family is based not on genetic or blood relations, but emotional links, trust, and most importantly – responsibility for each of its members. We should learn to respect each other, rather than promoting just one model, which represents only some families.
Diverse families also include same-sex families – they do exist in our society, although are often unnoticed. NGO “House of Diversity and Education” has undertaken a review of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) persons in Lithuania during the summer of 2012. It showed that 54 percent of LGBT persons are living in stable long term relations, and 20 percent of them are raising children. All of the persons who are raising children in Lithuania (according to the interviews) are lesbian or bisexual women, who are raising children as single mothers or in a relationship
with another woman. There are also gay and bisexual men in Lithuania, who choose to raise children, sometimes with another same-sex couple of mothers.
Lesbian and bisexual mothers, raising children together in Lithuania, very often do not feel safe. The review revealed they pointed out both psychological and legal insecurity. Children raised in same-sex families are indirectly punished for their parents’ sexual orientation.
Kindergardens or primary schools are inviting parents of the children to regular events. Would it be possible for two “moms” come to the event? Not just “a mom“ and “an auntie” – but two mothers, without the need to hide this fact? When children understand their family is different, they start fearing communicating with classmates and inviting them to their homes. The social pressure infringes the rights of such children, forces them
into situations of exclusion, and bullying.
Having in mind the needs of diverse families in Lithuania, NGO “House of Diversity and Education” organizes educational seminars for adults. In October, almost 40 pedagogues (current and studying) participated in an interactive seminar “Diverse families in Lithuania: forms and identities.” In November, a small and intimate seminar “Shield of fear: is it worth hiding?” was held. In January 2013, a seminar “How to talk to children
about diversity?“ took place, where both pedagogues and parents have been invited to think, how to talk with children about “uncomfortable” topics.
From February, LGBT persons are invited to a therapy group, led by a psychologist. Other events /seminars are also upcoming.
NGO “House of Diversity and Education“ also seeks meet the needs of socialization of diverse families: for instance, by organizing
picnics, theatre excursions, and other events for (both LGBT and straight) diverse families. This strengthens parents and children, raises awareness, empathy and confidence. In September 2012, diverse families went to an adventure park, where the bravest ones went wild on various tracks in the trees, while others simply enjoyed nature and communication. In the end of January, diverse families visited theatre, and
drank hot chocolate in the Old Town of Vilnius. On 5th of May, the celebration of the International Family Equality Day is planned. The International Family Equality Day was launched in 2012 as a sign of solidarity and strength, and to promote equality for all families (internationally).
The project is partially funded by the Netherlands Embassy in Vilnius, for which we are very grateful. The website www.ivairiseima.lt is
running with the efforts of volunteers and enthusiasts, who are truly amazing and inspiring.
We hope that someday, there will be no need to argue for the value of every child and every family. Until that day comes, everyone is welcome to join us in the quest for the future-for-all, and fun.
RELATED:Lesbian couple with children says: “We want to live without fear”
