Starting high school: The importance of parents being involved, staying involved and talking to one another

This time last year I wrote an article on the importance of a 'smooth transition' from primary to secondary school. Research has shown that by Year 10, those students who managed to get through this difficult transition period without too many issues are likely to have higher levels of school attendance, better academic results, low behavioural problems and lower rates of substance abuse. What happens in the first few months of high school can play an important role in how their future plays out …

I recently read a wonderful research paper by Anne Coffey that discussed the key to a successful transition being 'relationships'. In the article, the author identified a number of potentially 'negative' changes that can occur during the move from primary to high school including the following: 

·       a decline in self-esteem due to changes in learning environment and more demanding schoolwork

·       a "dip in academic performance and motivation", and

·       a disruption of existing friendship networks, with peer groups forming and reforming in the new school setting

The last point is what I discussed last year – the fact that this is a period when existing peer groups will often go through major changes and young people will 'bounce' from group to group in an effort to find one that, not only do they want to be a part of, but is also willing to accept them. The so-called 'popular group' is always pretty easy to identify and it's sad but true that no matter what your age, most of us would secretly love to be a part of the 'cool group'. But that's not going to happen for most of us and in the first few weeks of high school there's going to be a mad scramble to find out what group you'll end up in …

At this stage of development, it is becoming increasingly important to gain acceptance from peers and many will establish peer groups at this time that they will take through their whole secondary school experience. All parents hope that their sons and daughters end up with a 'great group of friends' – but what does that really mean from a parenting perspective? Realistically, you want them to 'hang out' with peers who have similar values and attitudes as you have hopefully tried to instil in them. Sadly, that doesn't always happen and when it comes to alcohol and parties, that can end up being a nightmare for some parents!

Coffey states that research has found that, not surprisingly, one of the chief concerns of students at this time is 'making new friends and fitting in'. If they've come from other schools, some will grieve for the friendships they had there and even if they go to a K-12 school, there is always a significant influx of new students that will undoubtedly impact upon existing friendships. It's important to note that this concern has usually disappeared by mid-way through Term 1 as the friendship groups start to settle and the students 'find their place'.

Now, you can't choose your child's friends for them (as much as I'm sure many of you would like to!) but I did suggest that there are a few simple things you can do to ensure you know as much as possible about what is going on in this area. Remember, what happens during this period is really going to help you in the years ahead around socializing. So, do your best to do the following:

·       keep talking to your child and show an interest

·       be involved

·       meet their new friends

·       meet their new friends' parents

·       don't be afraid to express concern if you're worried about who they're hanging out with - if you don't feel comfortable with their friends, let them know but do it carefully and respectfully but, if it doesn't feel right, it most probably isn't and you need to let your child know how you feel

Coffey agrees that parents' participation is critical in the whole transition process. According to the research, parents who are involved at this time are more likely to remain a participant in their child's secondary schooling. Evidence clearly shows that this partnership increases the likelihood that students will achieve at a high level, be well-adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school. We've been talking about the difficulties that young people face during this time, but it is also important to remember that it can be difficult for parents as well. They need to forge relationships with either a new school and/or new teachers. All of a sudden, you're not dealing with one classroom teacher – you're dealing with many, some that your child may have a great relationship with and others not so much. 

So, it's not just me saying that parents should be involved at this time – the research backs me up! The problem is that we know so many parents do just the opposite and instead of maintaining and building upon the relationship they may have had with their child's primary school and teachers, they pull away when they hit high school – some never to be seen again!

I get it – your child is growing up and they need to develop independence, they also don't really want you to turn up at the school, no matter what the reason! This is a time, however, when parents not only need to be well-informed about the school and procedures, they also need to develop effective parent networks. These are incredibly important and can assist you in all sorts of areas, particularly parties and gatherings and, of course, alcohol. Do this early and identify like-minded parents who have similar values and attitudes to you and it'll be so helpful in the future. Your kids are going to try to 'silo' you as much as possible, telling you that you can't call the parent hosting a sleepover or making sure they limit the amount of information they give you about any upcoming event – don't 'silo' yourself! Get involved, stay involved and keep talking to one another.

If your child is just about to start high school, make sure you try to:  

·       attend as many information evenings as you can now and later – they're important! No school puts these on because the teachers want to stay on school grounds for longer – they're held for a reason. They provide valuable opportunities for parents to be positively involved in the transition period and beyond

·       grab every opportunity to meet other parents through school events – as your child makes new friendships during this time, establish contact with other parents. If you were a parent who walked your son or daughter to school every day when they were in primary, that provided you wonderful opportunities to meet others who did the same thing. That doesn't happen during the secondary years and so you've got to find other ways to meet parents and create those vital networks

References

Coffey, A. (2013). Relationships: The key to successful transition from primary to secondary school, Improving Schools 16, 261-271.

Read More »

NOT a Good Reason to Deny (Consanguineous) Love #18

“There is a power differential.” Power differentials in consanguineous sexual relationships do not provide a good reason to deny the rights of lovers to be in these relationships and to marry, if that is what they want. The power differential allegation applies least of all to siblings or cousins who are close in age, but even where the power differential exists, it is not a justification for denying this freedom to marry.

There is a power differential in just about any relationship, sometimes an enormous power differential. One person is more emotionally needy than another. One earns more than the other. One is more educated than another. One has more friends and family than another. One has more life experience than another. On and on it goes. A 21-year-old woman can consent to group sex with three 40-year-old cage fighters she just met, or sex with an older man who boarded in her family home for most of her life, or the President, or a married billionaire sultan, but not her half-brother or her genetic father who she first met a year ago and has been falling in love with? To question if consent is truly possible in consanguineous relationships is insulting and demeaning. If someone her age can consent to join the military, operate heavy machinery, or be sentenced to life in prison or even to death for their actions, how can we say she can't consent to love another adult the way she wants?

There are sober, functional, healthy adults who consent to consanguineous sex with an older relative, and many of them want to marry. It shouldn’t be illegal or questioned, unless you would do the same to any intergenerational relationship between adults.

There is no good reason to deny an adult, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion, the right to share love, sex, residence, and marriage with any and all consenting adults without prosecution, bullying, or discrimination.

Feel free to share, copy and paste, and otherwise distribute. This has been adapted from this page at Full Marriage Equality: http://marriage-equality.blogspot.com/p/discredited-invalid-arguments.html

Go to NOT a Good Reason to Deny (Consanguineous) Love #17

Go to NOT a Good Reason to Deny (Consanguineous) Love #19

Read More »

Would snorting or sniffing a drug cause an irritation under the nose?

Would snorting or sniffing a drug cause an irritation under the nose? If so, why does this happen and could this cause any long-term problems?

Understanding how the nose is constructed, and how delicate the inside is, will help to answer the question. The septum is the wall that separates the left and right nasal passages. This can be pinched between your fingers. A thin protective layer called the mucous membrane covers the nasal passages. The centre part of the nose is made from bone and cartilage.

The nasal passages are very delicate and the blood is extremely close to the surface. This explains why the drug reaches the brain quickly when snorted or sniffed and why this method of use can lead to problems. The mucous membrane acts as a filter to protect against foreign bodies such as dust, pollen and drugs. When these things enter the nose the production of mucous increases, which protects the delicate nasal membranes. This can often result in regular 'snorters' having a runny nose, causing them to sniff regularly. The extra mucous can also make snorting the drug more difficult.

Regular snorting or sniffing can, at the very least, irritate, and at worst, damage the nasal passages. Apart from a runny nose, some users may find it difficult to breathe through their nose properly as it becomes increasingly stuffy, while others may start to experience regular nose bleeds. In extreme cases, regular snorters can experience a nasal septum perforation. This is when the septum dividing the nostrils develops a hole.

Snorting powder or crystal drugs like cocaine or amphetamine is unlikely to cause irritation under the nose. Most of the damage would be inside the nasal passages where the more sensitive skin is being affected. If there is irritation, it is likely to be caused by the regular wiping of the area due to the user having a runny or stuffed nose.

Inhaling products like amyl nitrite ('Jungle Juice') can also cause irritation to the nose. This is because amyl can be extremely abrasive if it comes into contact with the skin. Residue liquid on the bottle can easily touch and damage the nose and other parts of the face. Consequently, some regular users report a range of skin problems on the face, mouth and nose including redness, infections and outbreaks of small sores.

Read More »

Abuse, Love, and Marriage

Dan Savage answered a letter from "Truthful Revelation Unmakes Two Happy Spouses" that is relevant to this blog. It comes with a mild TRIGGER WARNING for potential sexual and emotional abuse.

My father left my mother abruptly when I was 14 years old, and he hasn't contacted either of us since. It was a crushing blow for her, and she retreated from the world. She was never bitter about it, but it was devastating. She lost the love of her life for no apparent reason and was left completely alone, except for me. We have both done our best to forget about him. We were extremely close for the next four years and actually slept in the same bed every night.

It is the responsibility of parents to raise children to be independent adults, not to use them as emotional crutches or allow them to be perpetually dependent on the parent. While cuddling is OK at any age, and co-sleeping is OK in certain circumstances, it was probably a bad idea to permanently move in to the same bed at age 14. Unlike what happened with this person, there are 14-year-olds out there who actively want to start something with their mother and wish for it (and, on the other hand, there are kids that age who can't stand their mother at all). But again, it is the responsibility of parents to raise their children to be independent adults.

Eventually, we began doing something that most people would consider evil but neither of us has ever regretted. It was just something that happened. And it wasn't something that just happened once—it went on for two years and ended only when I left to go to university.

"Eventually" is an important word here. What are the ages of consent and majority where the letter writer lived? It doesn't sound like the mother intentionally groomed her child, but this is a big reason why certain boundaries are a good idea until a child is grown, and it was her responsibility to keep those in place.

Mutual affection is not evil. Notice the writer says "we" and not "she."

I haven't thought about this for years, and it is something my mother and I have never discussed. She has since remarried and seems perfectly fine. But even today, we sometimes send each other friendly messages that are vaguely suggestive. The problem is I mentioned it to my wife recently and she went ballistic. She called me and my mother sick and moved into another bedroom and refuses to have sex with me.

The wife doesn't see the letter writer as a victim, but as a willing participant. I could see the wife being upset at her mother-in-law. But otherwise, this is nothing but prejudice. I would have her read this. Also, while I realize it is different with a spouse, she certainly knows other people she respects and admires who have such experiences.

I wish I had never mentioned it, but it was part of a truth-or-dare session we were having.

Coming out is very, very risky.

This has been the situation for the last three months. I have finally lost my patience and I am thinking of leaving. I have never cheated on my wife or hurt her, either physically or emotionally, and I have supported her financially while she studies at university. I have mentioned going to a counselor, but she refuses and claims that she is married to a monster and that no woman would want me.

This is clearly not true. Clearly your mother still wants you. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Seriously, there are women who want a spouse like you. If we look at what happened as abuse, then you're victim. If she's looking at it as sex, that still, in no way, makes you a monster.

We don't have any children—so if I were to leave, I wouldn't be disrupting an innocent's life. Do you have any advice?

It's time to divorce. There is almost no chance this marriage is going to be able to continue, and even that slim chance would only happen with so much effort on the part of both spouses that it's far better to end it now.

Going forward, be much more careful about revealing your past to partners. It's unfortunate we're not in a place in human development where these things can be discussed rationally with more people, but we have to deal with things as they are while we try to make them better. A partner only "needs" to know anything about what happened with your mother if it is impacting your life to the point it is going to impact their life.

Example: Mom and/or Dad sexually abused Jenny from ages 6 to 10. Jenny should tell her partner if: 1) it is impacting Jenny's ability to enjoy sex the way her partner enjoys sex; 2) Jenny's partner is urging Jenny to re-establish contact with her parents; 3) Jenny wants to make it clear that minor children should not be brought around her parents.


Let's see how Savage replied.

Dr. Miletski is a psychotherapist and a sex therapist, and Dr. Kort is a sex and relationship therapist. Both are certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, and both are authors—Dr. Miletski literally wrote the book on the subject of mother-son incest: Mother-Son Incest: The Unthinkable Broken Taboo Persists.

"There's no wonder his wife is so upset," said Dr. Miletski. "Sexual relations between mother and son are considered the most taboo form of incest."

As I wrote above, there really isn't a rational reason for her to be upset unless she thinks her spouse was abused and is allowing ongoing abuse. Instead, she appears to be jealous.

"In the mental-health field, we have a growing body of work showing that not everyone who is abused is necessarily traumatized," said Dr. Kort. "I have seen countless men who have been sexually abused by their mothers who do not label it as abuse because they were not traumatized. But his mother seduced him, dismissing the sexual and emotional needs of a teenage boy. There is no other way to describe this other than abuse, however consensual he may have perceived it to be at the time."

Interesting.

"Unfortunately, I don't think his wife will ever be able to put this revelation behind her," said Dr. Miletski. "I think his best bet is to leave her, move on, and seek therapy. A therapist will help him deal with the emotional upset of the breakup with his wife, as well as process what happened with his mother."

A good therapist, even if convincing him he was abused, won't cause the letter to feel like a victim if he or she doesn't already. That's hardly going to leave someone better off.

Although Savage didn't say so in his answer, he and other advice columnists probably get countless letters from people who've experienced abuse and also people who've had consensual (to be redundant) sexual relationships with a close relative.

Once again, it is important parents raise their children to be independent adults. If, as adults, those children want to enter into a consanguinamorous relationship with a parent, they should be free to do so. There's no good reason to deny them that right.

Read More »

Why do ecstasy users 'connect' with other people when they use the drug?

How come human beings bond while 'rolling' on MDMA? I was with some friends a few weeks back and while rolling, I connected deeply with someone I usually don't talk to. It's a strange feeling to have such a connection after a trip.

A deep connection with someone when taking MDMA (ecstasy) is not unusual. Users of the drug often describe a combination of feeling energetic and yet calm, as well as an enhanced sense of closeness with other people. The usual social defences are weakened and communicating with strangers is no longer taboo. These effects have been recognised for a long time – both on the dance floor and in therapeutic settings.

Alexander Shulgin, an American research chemist, experimented with MDMA in the 1960s and found it produced 'emotional openness' and empathy and made those using the drug feel in tune with each other and facilitated communication. As a result, a handful of psychotherapists used the drug in couple's therapy and as a means to help address post-traumatic stress disorders during the 1970s in the US. During the last decade, research into how MDMA and its unique effects could potentially be used therapeutically has been renewed. Clinically-controlled studies in the US and Switzerland continue to be carried out, particularly in relation to the treatment of PTSD.

So how does MDMA cause this effect?

There is no straightforward answer but most experts agree that MDMA works by increasing levels of dopamine and oxytocin in the brain, which affect emotions, empathy and pleasure. At the same time, MDMA 'tricks' the brain into releasing serotonin (the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter) and then also prevents it from being re-absorbed. As a result, the level of serotonin in the synapse – a part of the brain that allows information from one neuron to flow to another neuron - increases, producing the 'loved-up' euphoria associated with MDMA.

Some experts, however, are sceptical about serotonin explaining this unique effect. Other drugs, including pharmaceutical products, cause a big release of serotonin but they don't cause anything like the euphoric effect of MDMA. We still have a lot to learn about this drug.

Please remember, using MDMA does involve risk. The main reasons why it can cause problems or even deaths are as follows:

• adulterants – drugs sold as ecstasy may contain little or no MDMA. Ecstasy may contain other substances some of which may be more harmful than MDMA
• heatstroke – using the drug in a hot environment (like a nightclub) can cause body temperature to dangerous levels, which can result in death
• water intoxication – MDMA affects the kidneys, preventing the body from getting rid of fluids. Water is retained in the body and the pressure can lead to coma and death  
• heart failure – the stimulant effects of MDMA have caused death in vulnerable users, particularly those with undiagnosed heart problems
• MDMA overdose – the increase in the strength of ecstasy may have caused fatal overdoses among some users i.e., the 'dose' taken is 'over' the safe amount

All drugs, whether they be legal, illegal or pharmaceutical, are potentially dangerous. Things can, and do, go wrong - no matter what the substance. Although taking MDMA can lead to some positive effects for many users (such as the feelings of being 'connected' to others), there are risks those people thinking about taking the drug also need to consider. 

Read More »

Why GSA Will Become Even More Common

Genetic Sexual Attraction is going to become a bigger and bigger issue, and this is one reason why. This isn't the first time that someone involved in IVF or handling sperm for professional purposes has substituted their own sperm. This report comes from fox59.com in Indiana... [This entry has been bumped up.]

Now, retired doctor, Donald Cline, is charged with two felony counts of obstruction of justice for statements he made to investigators.

Those charges come after a lengthy investigation by FOX59’s Angela Ganote.

Last May, she spoke with a group of eight siblings, and according to court documents, Cline is a DNA match for all of them. The now retired doctor allegedly admitted to some of the siblings his sperm could have been used up to 50 times.

That's just what he's admitted to.

According to court records, this year Dr. Cline admitted to his donor children, “He used his own sperm whenever he didn't have a donor sample available.”  Cline also added, “He felt that he was helping women because they really wanted a baby.”

It is also reasonable to assume that some sperm donors are used more than some practices claim. If there is a shortage of desirable donors, it stands to reason that that, in some programs, donors have been used more than claimed. Money and ego can be powerful incentives to appear to have a successful practice. And what if a donor donates to more than one program? Furthermore, there's no control on how many more children sperm donors will have through natural or artificial means with a spouse or partner.

Some of Dr. Cline’s biological children simply wish they knew how many siblings Dr. Cline produced with his own DNA.

“I want to know every sibling that I have. I don’t think that is ever going to be a possibility,” said one woman we are calling “Carrie.”

“I just want validation. I want to find out as much truth as I can, but I know deep down that we never will know the complete truth as to how many siblings we do have,” said the unidentified sibling.

Whether from sperm, egg, or embryo donation or one night stands, hookups, flings, FWBs, affairs, deliberate cuckolding, divorces/breakups, or adoptions, there are now millions and millions of people who grow up with little or no contact with one or more close genetic relatives, whether a parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc. If they meet post-puberty, and the genders and orientations align, there's about a 50% chance at least one of them will experience Genetic Sexual Attraction. This can happen whether or not they're aware of their close genetic relation.

We come into contact with far more "strangers" than we used do, due to the shift to living in densely populated areas, increased mobility, and social networking. It's getting to the point that if you've ever had "causal sex" and the connection with one person in particular seemed especially strong, you might have been with a close relative and not even have known it.

How will we, as a society react to this? Ignoring the realities won't make GSA go away. If we're going to keep making serious criminals out of adults for having consensual sex with each other, we're going to need many more prisons.

A better way is to stop criminalizing, discriminating against, and stigmatizing relationships between consenting adults, studying consanguinamory in general and GSA (whether it leads to consanguinamory or not), and raising awareness. There is no good reason to try to stop consenting adults from loving each other how they mutually agree.

Read More »

Hate Hurts But It Won't Stop Love

RIGHT NOW, and any moment of every day, there are hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of people who are close relatives who are in the throes of ecstasy with each other, making love, having sex, embracing, kissing, having orgasms, cuddling, spooning. Maybe even three, four, or more lovers all together! Related!!! And they're going to keep doing it whether you like it or not. Some of them are probably in close proximity to you whether you are right now, living normal lives, other than having the intense double love bond that they do.


Yet the planet keeps turning.


On the other hand, even though most of these lovers will never be prosecuted even if they're some place that still had ridiculous laws against consanguinamory, there are people suffering for no good reason. They are consenting adults adults who aren't hurting anyone, who simply want to keep loving each other how they mutually agree. I hear from them. I hear from people who've been prosecuted, who are facing prosecution, who are being threatened with the loss of their children, who are being denied their rights and peace of mind because of the bigotry that still exists against consanguinamory. There are people who simply want to be able to live freely, be able to show the same affection as those around them, who can't. It's outrageously cruel that they have to face discrimination and being rejected by others around them, simply over love. They shouldn't have to hide.

If you're dealing with the unjust stigma against consanguinamory, know that you're not alone. There are also allies.

If you've perpetuated the hate, please stop and think about what you've been doing. Just because something isn't what you'd do doesn't mean others shouldn't have their happiness. There's no good reason to keep laws and stigmas against such love.

Read More »

NOT a Good Reason to Deny (Consanguineous) Love #17

“Consanguineous sex, relationships, or marriage ruins, confuses, or distorts family relationships.” First of all, this does not apply to adoptees who reunite as adults, or people who resulted from gamete or embryo donation. They already have families.

People only say this about sex and marriage. They don’t say it about friendships, working together, or any number of additional relationship dimensions family members might have with each other, or at least this objection is not enshrined in law, as it is with laws that deny marriage equality. It is as if these people think sex and marriage are bad things and about doing bad things to the other person(s). Are those who oppose equality frustrated? Are they doing sex wrong?

Many people have many relationships that have more than one aspect. Some women say their sister is their best friend. Why can’t their sister be a wife, too? When someone gets married, nobody from the government asks if this will ruin their friendship or their business, and it should not ask if it will ruin their fraternity, either.

Some people do also apply this to same-gender relationships. Friendships, these people say, become potential sexual relationships; it confuses relationships because men are supposed to be friends and not lovers, they say. If that is the limitation people want to place on themselves, they can. They should not be able to place such limits on other consenting adults.

When people are functioning socially in their biological roles, sex would create an additional bond. For some who are not functioning socially in those roles (as is often the case with Genetic Sexual Attraction), that bond may not exist in the first place and this is a way to form one. It should be up to them what kind of a relationship they're going to have.

People who are related through birth, adoption, or marriage (stepfamily) may or may not get along. They may be cruel towards each other or they can be best friends. The law can't force adults to love each other, regardless of their relation, and it shouldn't stop them from loving each other however they mutually agree.


There is no good reason to deny an adult, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion, the right to share love, sex, residence, and marriage (and any of those without the others) with any and all consenting adults without prosecution, bullying, or discrimination.

Feel free to share, copy and paste, and otherwise distribute. This has been adapted from this page at Full Marriage Equality: http://marriage-equality.blogspot.com/p/discredited-invalid-arguments.html

Go to NOT a Good Reason to Deny (Polyamorous) Love #16

Go to NOT a Good Reason to Deny (Consanguineous) Love #18 

Read More »

A "Where Are They Now" Update

There has been ongoing interest in a post to this blog with the title "Where Are They Now?"

The post is about a series of "adult" videos claiming to feature people who are in consanguinamorous relationships. The quality and the content of the videos had an "amateur" feel to it. A recent comment purports to give an update on a couple featured in one of the videos after speculation that they were not really a consanguinamorous couple...

The Brian and Tabitha [video] is very much real!

My twin sister and I have known Tabitha since the first grade! Brian and Tabitha are not their real names of course. They are really from the country in Tennessee, though. As you can see, their accent is authentic.

They made this video many years ago after being on an incest forum early into their relationship. When they decided to make it, they did not relish that it would become known and available like it has. They were very excited at the time and had been sharing pictures for others to see on the forum.

You can say "Tabitha" is very proud of what she has with her "Brian". It was her [intention to] show others that real love may be taboo between a mother and son, yet very beautiful. It unfortunately turned out to be a double-edged sword for them and today they live in a state where consensual incest is not against the law between two consenting adults.

She did become pregnant, though, and they have a daughter already in school.

I am listed as the father. I dated Tabitha for 4 years. This was from the ages of 29 to 33 for both of us, outside the relationship with her son and my relationship with twin sister. This was the best relationship for both of us. I am very close to Tabitha and Brian [until] this day.

Brian has stated I was the closet thing to a father to him. Very good people, although society considers us sick.

It makes me laugh when people watch their video and consider it fake. I think it is because it is the real deal that people cannot believe what they are seeing to be true. So they look for things to make it fake. That shyness and nervousness is very real, the way they talk, everything.

They have other videos made that were made as a gift to me which really shows how comfortable and in love they are. There are no socks on or c--- rings. Believe me. One of the hottest ones they made when she was 7 months pregnant! VERY LOVING!!! They have given me videos to my sister and I. We have given them videos. I also filmed them and Brian filmed my sister and I. As far as swapping or both couples doing it in front of each other, we are not going that far. We all ARE really in love with each other and are still together.

Also, Brian is listed as the father to my son with my sister. I am more at liberty say things about myself than them.YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO ASK THOUGH. I CAN TELL you they are very happy despite having to live a very secret life that [one] other person knows, by them confessing it (their mother).

I left Tabitha when my sister got separated from her ex-husband and became intimate with my twin. Though I hurt her at the time, she understood. She really is a wonderful person. Her son [is], too. Really good people. I will leave it at that for now...I hope this makes you smile that consensual incestous relationships can be something very beautiful! 

As you can see, consanguinamorous people are to thrilled to have consang friends.

We congratulate Anonymous and his sister on their love, and "Brian and Tabitha" on theirs, and we invite them or anyone else in similar situations to contact us (email fullmarriageequality at protonmail dot com) or comment on the blog.

As far as people doubting the videos depict real consanguinamorous couples, doubts are certainly understandable. There are always doubters about any such reports of consanguinamory. Proof that will satisfy a strong skeptic is hard to come by, but it seems like it has been proven in cases in which there was a criminal prosecution. Some of the people we are in contact with have gone to prison for their love. It they weren't for real, that certainly wouldn't have happened! Fortunately, most consanguinamorous relationships never result in prosecution. One way people can avoid prosecution is doing what Brian and Tabitha did, and move to where consanguinamory isn't criminalized.

Read More »