Eric Rosswood

My Uncle’s Wedding is a children's picture book about marriage equality. The main character is a boy named Andy who finds out that his uncle, Mike, is going to marry his long-term boyfriend, Steve. In the book, Andy talks about his uncle's wedding, how it affects him, and the things he gets to do in preparation for the ceremony. Tracy K. Greene created illustrations and the author is credited as Eric Ross instead of Eric Rosswood because he wrote and published the book prior to getting married and changing his last name.

Rosswood stated he intentionally left the word "gay" out of the book because the story was about a wedding, not a "gay wedding." My Uncle’s Wedding was praised by Marriage Equality USA{{cite news|title="My Uncle's Wedding" Children's Book|url=http://queermeup.com/culture-2/my-uncles-wedding-childrens-book/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424170422/http://queermeup.com/culture-2/my-uncles-wedding-childrens-book/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 24, 2013|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Queer Me Up}} and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. During the official book release, California Senator Mark Leno presented Rosswood with a Senate Certificate of Recognition for My Uncle's Wedding, stating the book's "vital role in creating a brighter future."{{cite news|title=First Graders in San Francisco Learn About Marriage Equality for Harvey Milk Day|url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/index.php?ch=style&sc=&sc3=&id=120081|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Edge Media Network|date=May 26, 2011}}

In various interviews, Rosswood explained that the reason he wrote My Uncle’s Wedding was because he didn't like how opponents of marriage equality would always use kids for political gain, so he decided to write about the topic from a child's perspective.

While the book was typically well received, the anti-LGBT group National Organization for Marriage (NOM) was quick to condemn it.{{cite news|last1=Hooper|first1=Jeremy|title=NOM routinely denies personal animus. Their commenters say otherwise|url=http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2011/03/nom-routinely-denies-personal-animus-their-commenters-say-otherwise.html|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Good As You|date=March 8, 2011}}

While trying to expand his own family, Rosswood realized there was a lack of resources available to help same-sex couples compare paths to parenthood. He wrote Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood to help same-sex couples start their own families. The book compares adoption, foster care, assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and co-parenting to help LGBTQ people decide which path is right for them. It includes 19 real life stories from parents around the world, including the United States, the UK, Ireland, and South Africa.{{cite news|last1=Rudolph|first1=Dana|title=Our families, our stories|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/03/11/our-families-our-stories/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Washington Blade|date=March 11, 2016}} One of the stories was written by a serodiscordant couple, and it is believed that Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood is the first book that gives an example for how a gay couple can have children when one of the prospective parents is HIV-positive.{{cite news|last1=Lucin|first1=Stephen|title=New Book, "Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood," Highlights Serodiscordant Gay Couple's Journey|url=http://www.hivequal.org/hiv-equal-online/new-book-journey-to-same-sex-parenthood-highlights-serodiscordant-gay-couple-s-journey-767|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=HIV Equal|date=February 8, 2016|archive-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305001742/http://www.hivequal.org/hiv-equal-online/new-book-journey-to-same-sex-parenthood-highlights-serodiscordant-gay-couple-s-journey-767|url-status=dead}}

The book also includes legal tips and advice contributed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Actress Melissa Gilbert wrote the foreword and Charlie Condou wrote the introduction.

Rosswood's third book, The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads, covers general parenting information, but instead of topics focusing on mothers, it highlights information relevant to gay dads. The book includes parenting tips and advice from pediatricians, school educators, lawyers, and other gay parents. The foreword was written by Golden Globe nominated writer, director, and producer Greg Berlanti, best known for his work as executive producer and co-creator of The CW’s Arrow.{{cite news|last1=Gressitt|first1=Kit-Bacon|title=Coming out a second time|url=https://gay-sd.com/coming-out-a-second-time/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Gay San Diego|date=October 27, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The audiobook is narrated by Paul Michael Garcia.{{cite news |title=THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR GAY DADS |url=https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/136731/the-ultimate-guide-for-gay-dads-by-eric-rosswood-greg-berlanti-[foreword]/ |access-date=23 September 2018 |publisher=Audio File Magazine |date=June 2018}} The book became the #1 New Release in the Adoption category on Amazon.{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Charlotte |title=Eric Rosswood Talks "The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads" and More (AUDIO) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/eric-rosswood-talks-the-ultimate-guide-for-gay-dads_us_5a142be2e4b08b00ba6733e8 |access-date=23 September 2018 |publisher=Huffington Post |date=November 21, 2017}} The book received positive responses from Shawn Moore, Board Member for the Modern Family Alliance, and Stan J. Sloan, CEO for The Family Equality Council.{{cite news |title=Introducing The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads |url=https://blog.gaydar.net/introducing-the-ultimate-guide-for-gay-dads/ |access-date=23 September 2018 |publisher=Gaydar.net |date=November 6, 2017}} The Washington Blade called it a "generous resource."{{cite news |last1=Owen |first1=Will |title=FALL ARTS PREVIEW 2017: Books |url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/09/15/fall-arts-preview-2017-books/ |access-date=23 September 2018 |publisher=The Washington Blade |date=September 15, 2017}}

In 2018, Rosswood partnered with Kathleen Archambeau to write We Make It Better: The LGBTQ Community and their Positive Contributions to Society.{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Nico |title=Target Restores 'Queer' and 'Transgender' After Website Censors LGBTQ Words |url=https://cms.intomore.com/target-restores-queer-and-transgender-after-website-censors-lgbtq-words/ |access-date=25 September 2018 |publisher=INTO |date=September 14, 2018 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915133415/https://cms.intomore.com/target-restores-queer-and-transgender-after-website-censors-lgbtq-words/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite book |last1=Rosswood |first1=Eric |last2=Archambeau |first2=Kathleen |title=We Make It Better: The LGBTQ Community and Their Positive Contributions to Society |date=November 15, 2018 |publisher=Mango |isbn=978-1633538207}} The book is split into ten sections: activism, business, dance, film & television, government and military, music, religion, science, sports, and literature. It features many biographies, including Oscar Wilde, Emma González, Bayard Rustin, Lana and Lilly Wachowski, Leonard Matlovich, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, and Tim Cook.{{cite news |last1=Nahmod |first1=David-Elijah |title=Accentuate the positive |url=https://www.ebar.com/arts_&_culture/books//271816 |access-date=7 February 2019 |publisher=Bay Area Reporter |date=February 5, 2019}} Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, stated, "This book is sure to empower the next generation of LGBTQ youth to find their passions and transform the world."{{cite news |last1=Lassen |first1=Amos |title=We Make It Better: The LGBTQ Community and TheirPositive Contributions to Society" by Eric Rosswood and Kathleen Archambeau— A Celebration of Who We Are |url=http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=67877 |access-date=6 January 2019 |publisher=Reviews By Amos Lassen |date=December 18, 2018}}

Rosswood collaborated with American strongman Rob Kearney to write Strong, a children's book that tells Kearney's life as a gay strength athlete who learned to embrace his authentic self. The book is illustrated by Nidhi Chanani. Rosswood said that a book like Strong was needed when there were few LGBTQ+ role models in children's literature, especially in light of the recent "don't say gay" bill in Florida.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-13 |title=Strong: Gay Children's Book Teaches Kids To Believe In Themselves |url=https://inmagazine.ca/2022/05/strong-gay-childrens-book-teaches-kids-to-believe-in-themselves/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=IN Magazine |language=en-CA}} The book was released on May 10, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Barnes & |title=Strong{{!}}Hardcover |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strong-rob-kearney/1140141194 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Barnes & Noble |language=en}}{{Cite book |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rob-kearney/strong/ |title=STRONG {{!}} Kirkus Reviews |language=en}} At a book signing in Pleasantville, New York, President Bill Clinton happened to come into the bookshop during the event. He called Rosswood's work "inspiring", further stating stories like Strong could "change the world."{{cite news |title=In Brief: May 19, 2022 |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/89374-in-brief-may-19-2022.html |access-date=May 20, 2022 |publisher=Publishers Weekly |date=May 19, 2022}} Publishers Weekly ran a photo of the two photographed together with Rosswood holding his book. Rosswood stated:

{{Blockquote

|text=There are very few LGBTQ+ role models in children's literature and I think that needs to change. When I heard Rob's story, I thought this is something kids need to know about. They need to see openly queer people thriving and succeeding in life. Because when a young person sees another person like them achieving greatness, they think to themselves, I can do that too. And that's how we create positive change.{{cite news |last1=Nahmod |first1=David-Elijah |title=Strong: Gay Weightlifter Inspires New Kids' Book |url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story.php?315387 |access-date=May 20, 2022 |publisher=Edge Media Network |date=May 10, 2022}}

}}

In 1997, Rosswood started the first Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Orange Glen High School in Escondido, California where he went to school.{{cite news|last1=Hurley|first1=Morgan M.|title="My Uncle's Wedding" is endearing children's story of Andy and his growing family - and marriage equality|url=http://sdgln.com/social/2011/04/14/san-diego-native-publishes-childrens-book-about-gay-marriage|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=SDGLN|date=April 15, 2011}}

Rosswood has been an activist for LGBTQ equality and equal rights. In addition to starting a GSA at his high school, he was also a chapter leader for Marriage Equality USA and helped with grassroots activism in the fight against Prop 8, which took away marriage rights from same-sex couples.{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Reuben|title=Is It Me or Did Freedom Just Ring? An Honest Conversation with Author/LGBT Activist Eric Rosswood|url=https://flymediaproductions.com/insider-culture/entry/did-freedom-just-ring-interview-with-author-activist-eric-rosswood|access-date=6 May 2018|issue=July 7, 2015|publisher=Fly Media Productions}}

He joined the board of San Francisco Pride in 2011 and stayed on for two years prior to stepping down before the birth of his son.

In 2017, when Heterosexual Pride Day was trending on Twitter, Rosswood tweeted the previously used phrase, "It's that time of year again when all the homophobic people complain about not having a #HeterosexualPrideDay and here's the annual response: "Gay Pride was not born of a need to celebrate being gay, but our right to exist without persecution. So instead of wondering why there isn't a Straight Pride movement, be thankful you don't need one.""{{cite news|last1=Dziemianowicz|first1=Joe|title=Heterosexual Pride Day trending and offending again on Twitter|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/heterosexual-pride-day-trending-offending-twitter-article-1.3288756|access-date=27 May 2018|publisher=NY Daily News|date=June 29, 2017}} That same year, author Kathleen Archambeau included Rosswood in her book Pride & Joy: LGBTQ Artists, Icons and Everyday Heroes for the work he has done for the LGBT community.{{cite book |last1=Archambeau |first1=Kathleen |title=Pride & Joy: LGBTQ Artists, Icons and Everyday Heroes |date=2017 |publisher=Mango Media Inc |isbn=9781633535510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j2IpDwAAQBAJ&q=eric+rosswood&pg=PT204 |access-date=May 9, 2020}}

In January 2019, after Tulsi Gabbard announced she was running for the 2020 United States presidential election, Rosswood tweeted "Homophobic remarks from @TulsiGabbard resurface after announcing she’s running for president? Thank U, Next!"{{cite news |last1=Burkholder |first1=Katie |title=Anti-LGBTQ Past of Potential 2020 Presidential Nominee Tulsi Gabbard Revealed |url=https://thegavoice.com/news/national/anti-lgbtq-past-of-potential-2020-presidential-nominee-tulsi-gabbard-revealed/ |access-date=3 February 2019 |publisher=The Georgia Voice |date=January 14, 2019}}

Rosswood is now a commentator on LGBTQ issues, including civil rights, parenting, marriage, and politics. He has led panels on LGBTQ parenting issues for organizations such as the Family Equality Council and the Modern Family Alliance.{{cite news|last1=Osborn|first1=Bradley|title=Author Eric Rosswood to Speak at LGBT Family Conference|url=http://camp.lgbt/2016/10/01/author-eric-rosswood-to-speak-at-lgbt-family-conference/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Camp Kansas City|date=October 1, 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018212615/http://camp.lgbt/2016/10/01/author-eric-rosswood-to-speak-at-lgbt-family-conference/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=jbreckenridge|title=Modern Family Alliance (MFA) Conference Nov. 5, 2016|url=http://www.kclegal.net/modern-family-alliance-mfa-conference-nov-5-2016/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=KC Legal|date=September 14, 2016|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019233939/https://www.kclegal.net/modern-family-alliance-mfa-conference-nov-5-2016/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Author in the Spotlight: Eric Rosswood|url=https://www.familyequality.org/equal_family_blog/2016/06/15/2228/author_in_the_spotlight_eric_rosswood|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Family Equality Council|date=June 15, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|title=Eric Rosswood at the 13th Annual NY Men Having Babies Surrogacy Seminar & Gay Parenting Expo|url=https://mango.bz/events/eric-rosswood-at-the-13th-annual-ny-men-having-babies-surrogacy-seminar-gay-parenting-expo-46|access-date=27 May 2018|publisher=Mango.bz|date=November 12, 2017}}

Rosswood and his husband, Mat, met at a salsa class in 2007.{{cite news |last1=Nahmod |first1=David-Elijah |title=For gay dads, new book answers all the questions |url=http://www.epgn.com/special-editions/217-2017-family-issue/12485-for-gay-dads-new-book-answers-all-the-questions |access-date=23 September 2018 |publisher=Philadelphia Gay News |date=September 14, 2017 |archive-date=29 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229010621/http://www.epgn.com/special-editions/217-2017-family-issue/12485-for-gay-dads-new-book-answers-all-the-questions |url-status=dead }} They were married at Disneyland in 2011.{{cite news|title=Eric and Mat Rosswood|url=https://www.out.com/out-exclusives/wedding-guide/vows/2011/07/26/eric-and-mat-rosswood|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Out|date=July 16, 2011}}{{cite news|last1=Korri|title=Real Wedding Spotlight: Eric & Mat|url=https://www.disneyweddings.com/ever-after-blog/real-wedding-spotlight-eric-mat/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Disney}} They combined their last names (Ross and Wood) to the portmanteau of Rosswood.{{cite news|last1=Tribe|first1=Jennifer|title=7 Ways LGBTQ Families Choose Last Names for Their Children|url=https://qparent.com/last-names-lgbtq-parents/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Q Parent|date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014163213/https://qparent.com/last-names-lgbtq-parents/|url-status=dead}} They adopted their son, Connor, in 2013.{{cite news|last1=Thai|first1=Stephanie|title=Gay fathers have help in navigating parenthood with 'The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads'|url=https://qvoicenews.com/2017/11/23/gay-fathers-have-help-in-navigating-parenthood-with-the-ultimate-guide-for-gay-dads/|access-date=6 May 2018|publisher=Q Voice News|date=November 23, 2017}} In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Rosswood stated he and his husband "encountered challenges not typically covered in basic parenting manuals" because they were same-sex parents.{{cite news|last1=Bowen|first1=Alison|title=How gay dads manage without paid paternity leave|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/parenting/sc-fam-gay-dads-paternity-leave-1003-story.html|access-date=27 May 2018|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=September 26, 2017}} On January 8, 2019, the couple introduced their second child, a girl named Olivia Katherine.{{Cite web|title=Daddy, Pop, and Big Brother Connor are overjoyed to introduce you all to Olivia Katherine. Everyone is doing well! Lots more pictures to follow. pic.twitter.com/2CVwWJXnhk|url=https://twitter.com/LGBT_Activist/status/1082616680730247169?s=20|last=Rosswood|first=Eric|date=2019-01-08|website=@LGBT_Activist|language=en|access-date=2020-05-13}}

• Rosswood, Eric My Uncle's Wedding (2011) {{ISBN|978-1456531034}}
• --- Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood (2016) {{ISBN|978-0882825144}}
• --- The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads (2017) {{ISBN|978-1633534919}}
• --- (with Kathleen Archambeau) We Make It Better (2018) {{ISBN|978-1633538207}}
• --- Strong (2022) {{ISBN|978-0316292900}}

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Category:1979 births

Category:Living people

Category:American non-fiction writers

Category:American LGBTQ rights activists

Category:American LGBTQ writers