CHARLIE CONDOU - No.1170

RAISING A FEW EYEBROWS

ScottNealUK: @Charliecondou just thought you should know I have managed to trim my eyebrows. That is all

Charliecondou: @ScottNealUK Did you use a strimmer?

ScottNealUK: @Charliecondou yea but went a little to far and have had to draw some on, don't think anyone will notice pic.twitter.com/BD64AvT3Ml

Charliecondou: @ScottNealUK I think you look better than you ever have. Less camp

ScottNealUK: @Charliecondou I thought the same, great minds eh. Feel comfortable with this look

STUNNING

Charliecondou: If you get a chance, go see @lovejacoblove's new show. It's stunning http://www.jacoblove.net/

BIRTHDAY BOY

Charliecondou: @alanhalsall happy birthday you big hairy hunk of a man x

alanhalsall: @Charliecondou haha you know it   xxx

wet, in bed!

akalaurent: Need the rain to stop for 40 minutes so i can go for a 10k run. meanwhile i'm in bed! #waiting

QuentinNield: @akalaurent does that say "good from evil" on your arm, Laurent?

akalaurent: @QuentinNield yes x

Charliecondou: @akalaurent @QuentinNield I always assumed it said "I'm a twat"

THE ALTERNATIVE PARENTING SHOW 2014

ADRIAN EVERETT

Nine years ago, in 2005, Civil Partnership and the Adoption and Children Act came into effect, allowing same-sex couples similar (albeit not entirely the same) options to start planning families. Same-sex couples and single people have been able to consider the opportunity of having a family of their own, whether that be through surrogacy, donor insemination/IVF or adoption and fostering.

In 2013, the UK’s Office for National Statistics recorded a sharp rise in same-sex couples caring for children to 12,000 from 8,000 two years previously.

Speaking about these statistics, Sarah Garrett, the organiser of the Alternative Parenting Show said “Figures realised by the ONS show that in 2014, families come in all different shapes and sizes and that is certainly going to continue as single men and women as well as same-sex couples are exploring ways in which to start a Family. Ten years ago, the idea that a gay person could start a family was an unrealistic objective for many. I’m pleased that is changing.”

Recognising this boom the annual Alternative Parenting Show, Europe’s biggest show of its kind, will be returning to London on the 21st September. Catering to all families, regardless of sexuality, the show will also offer specialist advice specifically for same-sex couples and single LGBT individuals who wish to start a family of their own.

Even for those of us who either aren’t ready to start a family yet, or simply have no desire to, it’s a great step forward for the option to be available in a progressive society. With people often citing their worries of homophobia as being off-putting for starting a family, its a promising sign that more and more people are bucking that trend, which can only help with LGBT+ acceptance in general.

Actors Sophie Ward and Charlie Condou, who have both spoken publicly in the press about their experiences raising children in same-sex couples (not together, obviously) will be discussing their experiences of alternative parenting at the show. Charlie Condou came to fame on Coronation Street playing Marcus Dent and you can read about his experiences bringing up a child as a gay dad and co-parenting in the public eye here.

Sophie Ward had two children from a previous relationship with a man, before falling in love with a woman, Rena Brannan and has spoken about the difficulties faced by the whole family with the adjustment here.

The event which is produced in association with London’s Women’s Clinic will play host to over 40 exhibitors and offer advice on surrogacy, fertility, co-parenting, adoption and legal information surrounding parenthood. Talking about the event, Sarah Garrett, the organiser of the event said “The Alternative Parenting Show helps would-be mums and dads battles through the minefield of having children and I’m glad to be hosting it for the third year running – there is a packed programme on the day and a record number of exhibitors providing expert advice.”

The 2014 Alternative Parenting Show will be taking place on Sunday 21st September at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London. For more information on the show and to book tickets, head over to their website.