Tag Archives: parenting

Happy 14th Birthday CJ!

Posted on February 1, 2021 by raisingmyrainbow

I blinked those tired, hurried, worried blinks of a mom and suddenly I’m here. A mom with a nearly-18-year-old and a 14 year old. Yes. CJ is 14. He’s 14 and he’s a beautiful, totally original, complex, deep feeling soul … Continue reading →

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I’ve Been Called Worse

Posted on October 26, 2020 by raisingmyrainbow

“In middle school, one of the worst things you can be called is ‘basic.’ Some people at school call me basic. It doesn’t bother me; I’ve been called worse. When you’re LGBTQ, you get used to being called names and other mean things.” — CJ, age 13, grade 8 Continue reading →

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Gender Is Over

Posted on February 20, 2020 by raisingmyrainbow

My name is C.J. and I’m 13 years old. I am a member of the LGBTQ community. My gender identity is male and my gender expression is female. That means that I’m awesome. Just kidding. It means that I was … Continue reading →

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If You Don’t Let Your Kid Pick Their Own Costume, You’re A Monster

Posted on October 26, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

By: C.J. (age 11) Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays because I get to dress up however I want and go walking around outside and nobody judges me. I love it when nobody judges me. I always … Continue reading →

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The Coachella Classmate and DragCon Unicorn

Posted on October 1, 2018 by raisingmyrainbow

C.J. was very “nervous-excited” for his big presentation. He took a bubble bath with lavender bath salts to calm his nerves. He decided to leave his hair down and put some mousse in it to accentuate his curls. He put … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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