Articles written by: Sandra Telep

Västervik Sandra is a West Philly Mama (not born and raised, but she does spend most of her days on the playground). She is happily married to her best friend and together they parent a precocious toddler and a vivacious baby. A former professional activist turned stay-at-home-mom, she blogs about parenting as a queer, Latina, feminist reclaiming family values at West Philly Mama.

The VillageQ UnShopping Guide
Life

The VillageQ UnShopping Guide

With the winter holidays on the horizon and non-stop reminders to buy and give, I planned to put together VillageQ Guide to Holiday Shopping, highlighting corporations and brands that deserve the support of LGBTQ families. The truth is, though, that’s an awfully tough thing to do. As LGBTQ people, many of us […]

Lesbian Couple Sues Sperm Bank after Conceiving Biracial Child
News & Politics

Lesbian Couple Sues Sperm Bank after Conceiving Biracial Child

Forms of oppression, while not interchangeable, are all connected. Queer people do not inherently understand race issues just as people of color aren’t immune to homophobia.

7 Tips for Taking Your Kids to PRIDE
Family / Kids

7 Tips for Taking Your Kids to PRIDE

It can be a bit more challenging to navigate the festivities with little kids in tow but here are a few tips to help things go smoothly.

Marriage Equality: Coming Soon to a State near You
News & Politics

Marriage Equality: Coming Soon to a State near You

These days it’s hard to keep track of all the victories for the freedom to marry. Here is a quick update on the most recent victories.

Seeking Medical Care for Our Children
Family / Parenting

Seeking Medical Care for Our Children

How do you decide when something is serious enough to involve your child’s doctor?

Jason Patric Brings Donor Issues into the Mainstream
Family / Family-building

Jason Patric Brings Donor Issues into the Mainstream

This week the New York Times had an article titled, “Does ‘Sperm Donor’ Mean ‘Dad’?” Of course, as a member of a family that used a known donor, I read with interest. The article focuses on a specific public feud between former actor Jason Patric and his ex-girlfriend, Danielle Schreiber. The […]

Greening Spring Cleaning for Earth Day
Life

Greening Spring Cleaning for Earth Day

As Earth Day approaches, I thought I’d share some of our strategies for keeping our cleaning supplies – well – clean.

Spring DIY: Natural Egg Dyes
Culture / Food

Spring DIY: Natural Egg Dyes

Eggs are the quintessential springtime symbol – fertility, rebirth, farm-fresh food. Eggs are a major part of the spring celebrations in our home. From Easter to the equinox and even Earth Day – we cook with, bake with, dye, and hunt for eggs.

PHOTO CREDIT: GLSEN
News & Politics

Day Of Silence

  Day of Silence is April 11th. If you aren’t familiar with this national youth movement, it’s a student-led event urging people to stand up against the impact of bias, harassment and violence towards LGBT people. Young people demonstrate by taking a vow of silence for the day. I first […]

The Fosters: Adoption Day
Culture / Entertainment

The Fosters: Adoption Day

This show is making history (cheesy, melodramatic history). Watching a family with two moms make sandwiches on national television. Watching them give advice and try to guide their kids toward the best people they can be. Getting to see them make mistakes and celebrate victories.