I live in Ohio. A very confusing state. For a state with such a terribly large pile of anti-gay legislation, there are SO MANY queer families here. There are 149 folks on the local parenting list (PACT). I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but considering how poorly the groups’ existence is advertised, I think it is amazing. Some of the kids were born to household members, some were adopted domestically, some were adopted from abroad, others are being fostered. Columbus feels so safe. I’ve rarely run into anyone who isn’t accepting of our family.
One thing shared by all the members of PACT is that only one parent in the household is legally recognized as the parent. Same sex adoption is not legal here. I think a few people have jimmied things up, but it technically isn’t allowed. This means that Megan has no rights at all to her own daughter. I’ve written wills, etc., but truth of the matter is that I can’t guarantee that if I die that Megan will even get to raise Quinn. This both horrifies and terrifies me.
We think about leaving this state so that Megan can adopt. It breaks my heart that I would need to leave my home, friends, family and job just for a legal technicality. I would do it though.
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On a similar note, I was not able to put Megan on my health insurance last year. They didn’t care that we had a marriage license. This means that we had to pay for a family plan for me and for Quinn and we had to pay for a separate plan through school for Megan. $$$! I put her down again this year. We have a new democratic governor this year. Maybe that will make a difference? It is especially important this year because Megan’s health insurance at school is running out. July 1 is the effective date. We should find out once the cards come.
