Ryan Tyson’s parents were high school sweethearts of a different kind.
“I was raised by my mom Aurlie and my mom Judy,” Tyson said.
Tyson, pre-mass communication junior, spoke before a group of his peers Monday night as a part of Texas State Allies Spring Biannual presentation.
The panel included couples John and Steve Wright and Donna and Mindy Squillace who discussed issues involved with raising children not only in a same-sex relationship, but in the Wrights’ case, an interracial one.
The Tysons
Tyson’s mothers met at their high school in Bronx, NY. Both said they had to endure hardships associated with being “out” in a non-accepting community.
“It was a Romeo and Juliet story,” Tyson said.
After being separated for a year because of a family interference, the couple was reunited.
“They have been together 35 years this year’” Tyson said.
Tyson said he did not feel different than his classmates growing up.
“My whole childhood was completely normal,” Tyson said. “I went to school. I did my homework. I was very athletic.”
Alyshia Maynard, communication design junior, attended the event to support Tyson, her boyfriend. She believes the topic is important.
“This is something that needs to be addressed and discussed,” Maynard said.
The panel, entitled “We are Family: Embracing the American Family,” set out to broaden the definition of the cosmic unit. The presentation was in conjunction with the Allies of Texas State’s 10th year on campus. The group consists of students, faculty and staff who are trained to create “safe places” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning individuals.
The Squillaces
For the Squillaces, Monday night’s event was an anxious but happy one.
“I’m due today,” Mindy Squillace said. “Today is my 36th week.”
Mindy is pregnant with her wife’s biological twin boys. The couple practiced in-vitro fertilization in June.
“We’re a subgroup within a subgroup — not only being a same-sex couple, but being parents in the gay community,” Mindy said.
The Wrights
Steve and John Wright spoke about the joy of family and the importance of commitment.
“We decided no matter what, we’re not going to leave — that’s our marriage contract,” John Wright said.
Monday night’s audience included two guests, the couple’s two children, Eli and Simon Wright, who are black.
When asked about how it is to raise children of a different ethnicity, Steve Wright explained as with any parent, there are always challenges.
“Every parent has questions to figure out,” Steve Wright said. “People want to help you if you want to be a good parent.”
John Wright said unconditional support and love is the driving force to any good family.
“They (Eli and Simon) know we have to work harder to give them social clues,” John Wright said. “But these kids are loved beyond belief.”
Athena Hathaway Meskimen, biology senior, was motivated to attend Monday’s Allies panel because of previous events she attended.
“I went to the first biannual and thought it was really interesting,” Hathaway Meskimen said. “It’s all about knowledge and open mindedness. I like coming to these events.”
