It sounds like you have a strong support system, that's half the battle! I just read an article that more and more LGBT's are moving into more conservative areas and out of big cities, so you might not be as alone as you feel! Or, you might be the family that has the honor of convincing a handful of homophobes that we aren't out there to convert their kids.

I wish you heaps of courage. Just the fact that you are giving it that much thought means you'll be a great parent!

YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT,MINE DO,AND THEY WILL SEE NARROW MINDED PEOPLE FOR WHO THEY ARE,JUST REMEMBER.YOU ARE A MOM FIRST,LESBIAN 2ND,AND THATS THE WAY PEOPLE WILL TREAT YOU,

I had an am raising two wonderful children. I am gay and in a solid relationship. Follow your heart.

We live in Rural Alabama, (how's that for conservative) SO far we haven't heard anything but positiveness about our solid loving relationship and how lucky our girls are to have such a strong family.

it is unhealthy for children to be raised by unhealthy parents. Doesn't matter who they are or what their sexuality is. Period!

I also live in Alabama and I am the Mom of 2 fantastic kids. I agree that if the support system is good then all will be good. There is unhealthy in every situation and closed minded people about all things in life. If it is an non event at home, it will be a non event for your kids. Good Luck!

I really hope you can find some friends/couples so you don't feel so alone. You could try contacting the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (I'm sure you already know this). I don't know if they have a chapter there. I know where I live there is a group called the Triangle Foundation. I'm sorry you have to go through what you do everyday. I'm sure you are a great Mom. My Mom is a Lesbian and has been with her partner for over (oh crap years now, don't make me count). She came out when I was young and the area was conservitive also. Not only that, we lived in an all white area and after she came out, divorced my dad, her partner (at the time )moved in, was African American. I got a taste of how un-friendly people really could be.

But you get through it. You get tough, sarcastic and a able to answer strange and personal questions like a politician. And your kids will be fine. Junior High was tough, but after people knew no one could tease me, because it didn't bother me (I had many come backs), then they left me alone. It was the teachers that were worse. But that was then. There are support groups now. My Mom just met her support group at secret bars and she is still friends with most of them today. They are my family. Thay have to be. Her family won't talk to her, or us.

If "most are fine" but a few are not, then the statistics are in your favor.
If you ignore the positive and over focus on the negative you'll always find someone that doesn't like something about you. So, I would suggest that you take a deep breath and stay involved and in touch with those people who are unconditionally supportive.
good luck