Rainbow Families

"You Gotta Give 'Em Hope!" That is the famous quote from one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US, Harvey Milk and today (5/22) we recognize Harvey for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement and honor his memory by continuing to fight for all Rainbow Families!

Are you LGBTQ+ and exploring your options to have a child? It can be hard to find providers that understand our community’s needs. Columbia Fertility Associates has helped many families have children and they have been a longtime partner and sponsor of Rainbow Families. Learn more about how they can help you grow your family here https://www.columbiafertility.com/donor/lgbtq/

Many of us know the mental toll that building a family can take, especially as an LGBTQ+ prospective parent. Having the support of a reproductive mental health professional can be a huge help when working to add to your family, and that’s why we are grateful to our partners at Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington, who specialize in mental health support for reproductive challenges. Not only are they a sponsor of this year’s conference, but they also facilitate several of our support groups. Learn more at https://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/. ITGW is also available to assist families in any phase or stage of life, from young children to older adults, and everything in between.

Our friends at Lavender Therapy are offering a great learning opportunity for parents. Check out the Q***r Parent Summer School and email Sarah Beth (she/they) at [email protected].

Here are the details:
- What: A 6-week Virtual "Summer School" for Q***r Parents, a research-based parenting program in an affirming space.
- The Program: Circle of Security
- Who: Q***r-identified Parents and caregivers of children of any age; q***r, poly and non-traditional families centered and encouraged!
- When: Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30-11:45am starting 6/12/26-7/17/26. 10 sessions total (No session on 6/19 or 7/3)
- Where: Sessions will be held virtually on Zoom
- Facilitators: Jessica Rotem, LCSW-C and Sarah Beth Alcabes, LICSW

Participants will get:
- A clinician-facilitated space
- An enhanced relationship with their child
- A road map for understanding their child's emotional needs
- Decades of research distilled and shared in a cohort of peers

Cost:
- $90 per session ($900 total) initial caregiver
- $65 per session ($650 total) for additional caregivers in the same family

COSP was developed with parents in mind, and specifically those parents experiencing stress in their caregiving relationships. The program particularly serves parents who want to connect more deeply with their children but aren't sure how to break through the barriers they're experiencing. COSP provides a framework for understanding and responding to children's attachment needs.

Navigating a fertility journey can be complicated and often we are not sure who to trust, especially in our community. That’s why we are grateful for partners like The Seed Scout, which is owned and operated by Rainbow Families’ members and proud conference sponsors. The Seed Scout provides a pathway to parenthood that is ethical, thoughtful, and rooted in our community. Learn https://www.theseedscout.com/

After our fabulous panel this Saturday at DC Black Pride, stick around for the Family Fun Networking Event. Rainbow Families, PFLAG National, in Black, and the Center for Black Equity will all be there to share information about our work and help connect families. This free event is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and families in the community. Click here to let us know you're coming - https://rainbowfamilies.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F45946.

Join Rainbow Families, PFLAG National, -in-Black, and DC Black Pride for "Fight or Flight: Navigating Parenthood During Trying Times." This panel discussion will feature Black LGBTQ+ parents as well as Black parents of LGBTQ+ kids sharing their insights into how they are navigating the current environment. Don't miss this free panel discussion followed by a wonderful reception. This Saturday, May 23rd 3:00 PM. Click here to learn more and register - https://rainbowfamilies.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F44000

Proud to sponsor and present at the Rainbow Families Annual Conference 🌈 Grateful to connect with so many incredible families, advocates, and professionals working to build more inclusive and supportive communities for all.

Today (May 17th) we recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Every family should have the right to marry, have children, and be legally recognized as a family regardless of the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of the parents (or kiddos)!

We look forward to seeing folks today (5/16) at Green Acres School for our annual Conference & Family Gathering!

Thank you to our Champion Sponsors, Eddie Suarez - TTR Sotheby's International Realty - Washington, DC, Frank Snodgrass, Toler Financial Group, Joyce Koons Honda, and Columbia Fertility Associates