Local resident launches gay parent support page

BEING a gay parent or being part of a same-sex couple raising kids isn’t always easy, especially given the lack of support groups to help out. That’s why Durban North resident and parent, Calvin Pienaar, started the Gay Parents Durban Facebook page. The 30-year-old said the group was about providing a platform for gay parents in Durban.

“It’s something I had been thinking about for a while. When I was going through the surrogacy process with my little boy, Corbin, there was no support groups or anyone I could talk to. I decided to begin this group to get gay parents to communicate and possibly start friendships and a support system. As a single parent, I think that feeling of loneliness was most profound during the baby classes, it’s hard to find someone to relate to what you are going through. I want to talk about everyday things that any parent goes through,” he said.

Pienaar, launched the Facebook page after sharing a post on the Durban North Neighbours page. It may only be two weeks old, but already the group has 73 members.

“It’s open to everyone but one of the first things I wanted was for gay couples to share pictures or stories of their families. Many of us have dealt with discrimination from various angles. Being accepted as parents, or a parent is a big concern, especially as your child grows up. I hope to set-up an event where gay parents can meet and have their children around other gay parents and also establish a support network for like-minded people”