The youth I am raising based on my lesbian perspective, these decades-long values, I am hoping for him to evolve from and into a male adult who can belong in and contribute to a community—and, well, at one time he was 14 months old. In a few weeks…

We have a small family of two and I as the Mama make most our decisions even while I strive, really, to lend agency for my son, who is 12 and in 7th grade. Not lend as a loan borrowed that he need repay. Freely given in ways I keep trying and even ask, “How is your independence now? What do you think about this idea I have for our next family activity?” He will pause or wonder or negate or confirm.