Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in this country. This stunning and horrifying fact angers us. The United States also has the highest number of school shootings of any developed nation. This is particularly upsetting since school is supposed to be a safe haven for children: a place to learn, play, and discover who they are and who they want to be. Our hearts ache for the parents who have lost their children or whose children have been traumatized by a shooting. We live in fear that our children’s school will be next.

The battle over same-sex marriage centered on children, with both sides claiming to be the guardians of children’s welfare. Although marriage equality undoubtedly represents a victory for diverse families, the focus on children has also had the detrimental impact of imposing a traditional parenthood paradigm. Specifically, the Obergefell v. Hodges opinion reflects a maternalist…