Pave a New Path of Traditions

Meet Kevin and Mark, a loving couple who decided to create their own unique traditions after they adopted their son, Alex. Instead of simply following traditional holiday celebrations, they decided to incorporate their own twist.

Kevin shares, "For Christmas, we've created 'Rainbowmas,' where we celebrate with rainbow decorations, and each color represents a value that we want to instill in our son."

Dr. John DeMartini, an expert in human behavior, explains that creating new traditions can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories: "When you establish a tradition that is unique to your family, it creates a sense of belonging and identity that children carry with them throughout their lives" (1).

Birthdays: A Celebration of Individuality

James and Peter, a dynamic duo, have two adopted children, Mia and Noah. On each child's birthday, they celebrate their uniqueness by allowing the birthday kid to choose the theme, menu, and activities for the day.

James says, "We want our children to know that they're valued and loved for who they are, and their birthdays are the perfect occasion to remind them of that."

According to a study by Dr. Gail Saltz, celebrating individuality in children can lead to improved self-esteem and a stronger sense of self (2). We like to think that means being a great "Guncle" (gay uncle).

The Importance of LGBTQ+ History Month

During LGBTQ+ History Month, Steve and Tom make it a priority to educate their three children about the history and heroes of the LGBTQ+ community. They visit historical landmarks, attend events, and read books together as a family. Tom says, "We believe it's important for our children to know where they come from and the people who fought for the rights they enjoy today."

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) emphasizes the importance of LGBTQ+ history education for youth, stating that it fosters inclusivity and understanding (3).

New Traditions for Wedding Anniversaries

Luke and Andrew, a married couple of five years, celebrate their wedding anniversary with a twist. Instead of just celebrating their love, they involve their friends and family in a "Love Fest," a day where everyone shares what they love about each other. Luke shares, "Our love is not just about us; it's about the support and love of our entire community."

Relationship expert Dr. Jane Greer suggests that involving friends and family in relationship milestones can lead to stronger connections and support systems (4).

Family Volunteer Day: Giving Back to the Community

David and Michael, fathers to two teenage daughters, created a family tradition they call "Family Volunteer Day." Once a year, they choose a local charity or organization to volunteer with as a family. David says, "It's our way of teaching our children the importance of giving back to the community and showing them the power of kindness."

A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteering as a family can strengthen family bonds and promote empathy in children (5).

Pride Month: A Time for Celebration and Education

For many gay families, Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate love, equality, and acceptance. Carlos and Jose, a married couple with a young daughter, use this time to teach her about the importance of embracing diversity.

They attend pride events, read stories about different types of families, and create art projects that celebrate love. Carlos says, "We want our daughter to grow up in a world where everyone is treated with respect and love."

The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes the benefits of teaching children about diversity and acceptance at a young age, stating that it can lead to more inclusive attitudes in adulthood (6).

To learn more about creating your own gay family traditions and the benefits of doing so, check out these resources and research studies:

1. The DeMartini Institute – Dr. John DeMartini's organization, offering resources on personal growth and human behavior: https://drdemartini.com
2. Dr. Gail Saltz – A clinical associate professor of psychiatry who has published research on the importance of individuality in children: https://drgailsaltz.com
3. Human Rights Campaign – The HRC provides resources on LGBTQ+ history, education, and advocacy: https://www.hrc.org
4. Dr. Jane Greer – A relationship expert and author offering advice on maintaining healthy relationships: https://drjanegreer.com
5. Corporation for National and Community Service – A federal agency that has conducted research on the benefits of family volunteering: https://www.nationalservice.gov
6. American Psychological Association – The APA offers resources on the importance of teaching children about diversity and acceptance: https://www.apa.org

Incorporating Cultural Heritage

Jason and Eric, an interracial couple with two adopted children, make it a point to honor and celebrate each other's cultural backgrounds. They've created family traditions that combine elements from both their cultures, such as celebrating Lunar New Year alongside Thanksgiving. J

ason says, "We want our children to appreciate and understand their rich cultural heritage and feel proud of who they are."

Experts from the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) highlight the importance of cultural education for children, stating that it fosters a sense of identity and belonging (7).

Family Art Night: Encouraging Creativity

Trevor and Shawn, proud dads to four artistic children, have established a weekly tradition they call "Family Art Night." Each family member gets to showcase their creativity through various art forms like painting, sculpture, or dance. Trevor shares, "We believe that nurturing our children's creativity is important in helping them grow and develop their unique talents."

Research by Dr. Ellen Winner, a professor of psychology, suggests that engaging in artistic activities can positively impact children's cognitive, social, and emotional development (8).

Creating Your Own Family Traditions: A Journey Worth Taking

As you can see from these examples, creating your own gay family traditions can be a rewarding and fun process that brings your family closer together. By incorporating your values, beliefs, and personal experiences into your traditions, you'll foster a sense of belonging and identity for both you and your children. So, don't be afraid to get creative, and remember that the most important aspect of any tradition is the love and connection it brings to your family.