#59 - Gender Identity and Parenthood

Carlos Encinias wears many hats. He’s a Broadway actor, a director/choreography, a writer, a teacher, a husband, and a father. And we feel so lucky to call him our friend. In today’s podcast, we have an amazing, heartfelt discussion about parenting that you won’t want to miss!  When Carlos and his husband Joe became parents almost ten years ago, they didn’t dream of the challenges- or the rewards- that they would face. They adopted two amazing children and are learning from their kids every day how to listen, support, and give them wings every step of the way. Today, we specifically discuss the complexity surrounding raising a child who chooses to express his gender in a different way.  Being a parent means having a lot of eyes on you at all times. Being two men raising a child who sometimes wears dresses and paints his fingernails adds a whole new level of pressure. Even within the very supportive LGBTQ community, there can be differences of opinion how to raise children without forcing your own narrative on them. What is the best way to handle bullying in the New York Public School system? Should I refer to my son as she/her at the age of nine? Is there a difference between gender expression and gender identity? What are the right kinds of discussions to have? Carlos’ work in the arts has been focused on inclusion and giving voices to those who need it for years. So if anyone can face these issues with compassion, it is him. We so enjoyed speaking with him this week, and we can’t wait for you to listen! Check out Carlos’ Website: www.carloslencinias.com And be sure to listen to his episode on the Houses on the Moon Podcast- An Original Storytelling Series Dedicated to Amplifying the Unheard Voice: https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/houses-on-the-moon/ This week’s Spotlight on Love comes to us from an anonymous listener: Recently I relocated to LA because of the Pandemic, I’m single and loving it, but I’m so looking for a serious relationship. Recently I met someone who is a celebrity and we really connected, but while he says he wants a serious relationship, he isn’t showing it. We literally go to his house after a full day of work for him, sit on his couch and fall asleep. It doesn’t feel like dating. What should I do? I want a real relationship, but I’m afraid if I ask for more we won’t even be friends.  Are you raising a child who has a different way of expressing his/her gender? We’d love to hear about your experience. We’re all here to support one another, and your stories matter to us! **** Follow us http://instagram.com/broadwayhusbands http://facebook.com/broadwayhusbands http://youtube.com/broadwayhusbands  Bret http://bretshuford.com http://instagram.com/bretshuford http://twitter.com/bretshuford http://snapchat.com/thebretshuford http://facebook.com/bretshuford Stephen http://instagram.com/stephenrhanna http://twitter.com/stephenrhanna We are grateful to be a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Thanks to David Dabbon for our theme music and to Sophie Kay Photography for our image. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices