Politics & Government

Children Open Up About Their Same-Sex Parents

Same-sex couples marry at Greenburgh Town Hall—many accompanied by their young children.

Jeanine Bartley-Cohen said she had "lightly prepared" her two young children for the possibility of facing opposition at Greenburgh Town Hall Sunday—protesters speaking out against same-sex weddings, against her wedding.

To her profound relief, there were none.

Jeanine and Robin Bartley-Cohen were married Sunday afternoon on the path leading to town hall, each clutching the hand of one of their children, Jaime, 4, and Ben, 8.

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"I've waited my whole life for them to get married," Ben Bartley-Cohen said after the ceremony. 

Asked why it's cool to have two moms at home, Ben responded: "It's pretty fun. Sometimes we go on trips—sometimes have fun at home. I love them both."

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Robin and Jeanine Bartley-Cohen have been a couple for 13 years; the family lives in South Salem, NY.

"We've taught them that having two moms is the same thing as having a mom and a dad," Robin said. "When we have other kids over and they ask questions, we explain the same thing. Everyone has been very supportive."

The Lehmann-Karp family of Hastings has had a similar experience.

Jonas and Stefan Lehmann-Karp were married in a quiet ceremony in Greenburgh Sunday with their precocious sons Trusten, 5, and Gamble, 4.

"We had heard Hastings was a welcoming environment for gay families," Jonas said, explaining why he didn't think much would change for his sons now that marriage equality was passed in New York. 

Though antsy after an afternoon filled mostly of waiting and watching their dads fill out forms, the boys were effusive in describing their favorite activities to do with their fathers.

"We play lots of video games," Trusten said. "They're good at that."

They also like going out to eat as a family—though one brother prefers Chinese food and the other Japanese. 

And they play trivia games—Jonas Lehmann-Karp called over to the boys: "Whats it called when two nucleii move apart?"

Immediately, Trusten responded: "Mitosis. Too easy, Dad."

Still smiling after exchanging vows, Jeanine Bartley-Cohen commented that it must seem funny to see brides carrying sippy-cups and children's  books. 

"Usually that comes after the wedding," she joked.


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