Author Archives: raisingmyrainbow

About raisingmyrainbow

RaisingMyRainbow.com is a blog about the adventures in raising a fabulous, gender creative son.

Video: Sephora Spotlights C.J.

Posted on September 9, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

Every year, Sephora brings its US store leaders together in Vegas for a week of inspiration, celebration and development. At this year’s Sephora Store Leadership Conference, executives shared the following video about our family to encourage Sephora cast members to … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments

One Mom

Posted on August 6, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

One mom. Sometimes one mom is all it takes. Sometimes one mom doesn’t seem like nearly enough. Sometimes both feel true. (It’s weird when that happens because you feel thankful and disappointed at the same time and that combination of … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments

11-Year-Old Grand Marshal’s Pride Speech

Posted on June 24, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

Yesterday, at age 11, C.J. officially became the youngest grand marshal in Pride Month’s 48-year history. As part of his duties as Orange County Pride’s 2018 Grand Marshal, he accepted a community award and gave a speech. He wrote the … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

The End Of The Year Violin Recital Dress Code Debacle

Posted on June 7, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

This school year has been a shitty one and I really just want it to be over. But, before that can happen we have a lot to get through. Two open houses. Three potlucks. A play. A class science experiment. … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Our Son Is Now The Youngest Pride Grand Marshal In History

Posted on June 2, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

When OC Pride contacted us and asked C.J. to be their parade’s 2018 Grand Marshal, we were surprised and excited (but not nearly as excited as C.J.). Then, we learned that C.J. will be the youngest Grand Marshal in Pride … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , | 33 Comments

CJ (age 11) Accepts Award for LGBTQ Advocacy

Posted on May 8, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

At the LGBT Center Orange County’s 2018 Indigo Ball (the Center’s biggest event of the year!), our family was awarded the Torchbearer Award for shining a light for LGBTQ people, children and their families. It was a night we’ll never … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Sephora Saved My Son

Posted on April 24, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

It was 7 pm on a Sunday night when Matt, C.J. and I arrived at the closed shopping mall. We made our way to a door we knew would be unlocked. Having the entire mall to himself, C.J. wanted to … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

My Son is Tripped, Kicked, Stabbed, Told He’s Invisible At School

Posted on March 22, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

Hi Mrs. Cora, All of these things are true. I’m not making these up for people to feel bad for me. I just want you to know what has been happening to me. I don’t feel safe at school. Allie … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , | 91 Comments

Our Month in Review: February 2018

Posted on March 6, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

Following are highlights from our month on Instagram. Click here for all of the months’ pictures, thoughts and happenings. Me: CJ, what kind of dessert do you want me to make you for your birthday? CJ: A gay wedding cake … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

My 11 Year Old Was Just Dumped By His Best Friend Because He’s Gay

Posted on February 16, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

This piece originally appeared on HuffPost. My son C.J. lay in my arms all night. He cried until a restless sleep found him, then he whimpered rhythmically. If I moved away, he moved toward me so that our cheeks were … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 147 Comments