conference theme
See below for the details of the 2022 conference schedule for content for LGBTQ+ parents, prospective and expectant parents, and our kids of all ages. The conference was online from 6-9pm the evenings of Thursday and Friday November 3rd and 4th and in person at the Smith Memorial Playground in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park on Saturday, November 5th from 10am-3pm.
The theme this year as we returned to some in-person time for the conference was "Family Reunion."
We had sessions for parents on topics about reconnecting; our inheritance, traditions and heritage as LGBTQ-led families; information on what's at stake for our families in the upcoming election on November 8th and plenty of time for making new connections.
The theme this year as we returned to some in-person time for the conference was "Family Reunion."
We had sessions for parents on topics about reconnecting; our inheritance, traditions and heritage as LGBTQ-led families; information on what's at stake for our families in the upcoming election on November 8th and plenty of time for making new connections.
schedule details and session descriptions
Thursday, Nov. 3rd
6:00pm - 9:00pm*
6:00pm - 9:00pm*
6:00pm - Ask Your LGBTQ+ Family Legal Questions
Whether you are forming or formed your family through ART with the use of donor sperm (known or unknown), traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogacy, intentional co-parenting or adoption, there are varied legal considerations in order to assure that intended parents are also legal parents. Come ask your questions! If you are already a parent and have legal questions about step-parent or second parent adoption, you can get your questions answered here as well. This program will feature lots of Q&A time with PFP board member and family law attorney Rebecca Nayak (she/her) from the Jerner Law Group and be moderated by PFP board member Michael Galvan (they/them).
7:00pm - LGBTQ+ Parenting at the Intersections
The conversation around marginalized identity and parenting often follows the same path: parents and children navigate life balancing their marginalized identity and learn a whole lot of “life-changing lessons.” But what about parents who are both queer/trans and people of color? How are the experiences of intersecting marginalized identities unique and challenging? Join PFP Assistant Director Shanay G. Rowe (she/her) for a candid conversation on navigating parenting at the intersections. This sessions is a safe space open to both current and prospective parents who identify as queer/trans persons of color.
8:00pm - Finding Affirming Providers for Your LGBTQ+ Family
Whether searching for a daycare, pediatrician, camp or school for your kid, LGBTQ-led families face the regular questions of "which one is best for us?" but with an added layer of "which place will be welcoming and safe for my LGBTQ family?" Come to this session to hear what to look for when making that initial decision and how to maintain these spaces as safe ones.
* These three sessions will be in the same Zoom room and run back-to-back with time to get to know other participants.
Whether you are forming or formed your family through ART with the use of donor sperm (known or unknown), traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogacy, intentional co-parenting or adoption, there are varied legal considerations in order to assure that intended parents are also legal parents. Come ask your questions! If you are already a parent and have legal questions about step-parent or second parent adoption, you can get your questions answered here as well. This program will feature lots of Q&A time with PFP board member and family law attorney Rebecca Nayak (she/her) from the Jerner Law Group and be moderated by PFP board member Michael Galvan (they/them).
7:00pm - LGBTQ+ Parenting at the Intersections
The conversation around marginalized identity and parenting often follows the same path: parents and children navigate life balancing their marginalized identity and learn a whole lot of “life-changing lessons.” But what about parents who are both queer/trans and people of color? How are the experiences of intersecting marginalized identities unique and challenging? Join PFP Assistant Director Shanay G. Rowe (she/her) for a candid conversation on navigating parenting at the intersections. This sessions is a safe space open to both current and prospective parents who identify as queer/trans persons of color.
8:00pm - Finding Affirming Providers for Your LGBTQ+ Family
Whether searching for a daycare, pediatrician, camp or school for your kid, LGBTQ-led families face the regular questions of "which one is best for us?" but with an added layer of "which place will be welcoming and safe for my LGBTQ family?" Come to this session to hear what to look for when making that initial decision and how to maintain these spaces as safe ones.
* These three sessions will be in the same Zoom room and run back-to-back with time to get to know other participants.
Friday, Nov. 4th
6:00pm - 9:00pm*
6:00pm - 9:00pm*
6:00pm - Tough Talks: Navigating Challenging Conversations with Youth
Difficult conversations with pre-teens and teenagers might involve topics like sex, drugs, mental health, school and more. These conversations can guide pre-teens and teenagers towards sensible and responsible decisions. They can also strengthen your relationship. Challenging conversations go well when you’re prepared, calm, open and non-judgmental. Join Nhakia Outland (she/her) and others for practical tips and methods to engage with your child and navigate tough topics.
7:00pm - What’s at Stake for LGBTQ+ Families in this Election?
In this session, we’ll hear from speakers state rep Malcolm Kenyatta, PFLAG's Diego Sanchez, and PFP board member Michael Galvan on the possible impacts at the national, state and local levels in the upcoming election on November 8th. If you'd like to register to vote or check your voter registration information, please visit these websites: Pennsylvania - New Jersey - Other States
8:00pm - PFP Family Reunion Panel
Join past PFP members, former teen panel participants, and new families for an hour of shared wisdom, reflection, and connection. Participants will include PFP parents Greg Yorgey-Girdy, Marla Gold and Deb Brady, Marc Berman, and youth Michaela Santisi, Em Harnett, and Coyote. The panel will be cohosted by PFP's Stephanie Haynes and Angel Martin from COLAGE.
* These three sessions will be in the same Zoom room and run back-to-back with time to get to know other participants.
Difficult conversations with pre-teens and teenagers might involve topics like sex, drugs, mental health, school and more. These conversations can guide pre-teens and teenagers towards sensible and responsible decisions. They can also strengthen your relationship. Challenging conversations go well when you’re prepared, calm, open and non-judgmental. Join Nhakia Outland (she/her) and others for practical tips and methods to engage with your child and navigate tough topics.
7:00pm - What’s at Stake for LGBTQ+ Families in this Election?
In this session, we’ll hear from speakers state rep Malcolm Kenyatta, PFLAG's Diego Sanchez, and PFP board member Michael Galvan on the possible impacts at the national, state and local levels in the upcoming election on November 8th. If you'd like to register to vote or check your voter registration information, please visit these websites: Pennsylvania - New Jersey - Other States
8:00pm - PFP Family Reunion Panel
Join past PFP members, former teen panel participants, and new families for an hour of shared wisdom, reflection, and connection. Participants will include PFP parents Greg Yorgey-Girdy, Marla Gold and Deb Brady, Marc Berman, and youth Michaela Santisi, Em Harnett, and Coyote. The panel will be cohosted by PFP's Stephanie Haynes and Angel Martin from COLAGE.
* These three sessions will be in the same Zoom room and run back-to-back with time to get to know other participants.
Saturday, Nov. 5th 10am - 3pm
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park - Directions
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park - Directions
10:00am - 3:00pm
Join PFP families at the Smith Playground for a day of family fun. Also stop by the sponsor fair on the side porch of the playhouse to meet our conference supporters. Note that the Playhouse is open to families with children 0-5 years old. The playground is open to families with children 0-10 years old. All ages are welcome for lunch and the Camp Highlight Carnival.
Here is some of what we have planned for that day so far:
10am - Mixer for LGBTQ+-led families who have babies and toddlers
11am - Mixer for LGBTQ+-led families who have school-aged kids
12pm - LUNCH from Streetside BBQ with a vegan option from Goldie Falafel (indicate your preferred lunch when you register)
1pm - Mixer for LGBTQ+ Expectant and Prospective Parents
1pm-3pm - Camp Highlight Carnival
6pm - 9pm - PFP Post-Conference Adult Mixer, Stir Lounge
PFP is collaborating with Sip City Mixer to host a post-conference happy hour. While Sip City traditionally plans mixers for women, non-binary or gender non-conforming folks, this collaboration is open to ALL PFP parents and prospective parents of ALL gender identities.
Join us at Stir Lounge from 6pm-9pm for an evening of kid-free socializing. Stir is tucked away down Chancellor, an alley between 17th and 18th and Walnut and Locust. This venue is ADA accessible. While street parking in Center City is limited, there are many garages in the area. Ridesharing is highly recommended.
Sip City follows the latest Philadelphia Covid safety guidelines. Masks are encouraged if you are more comfortable.
Join PFP families at the Smith Playground for a day of family fun. Also stop by the sponsor fair on the side porch of the playhouse to meet our conference supporters. Note that the Playhouse is open to families with children 0-5 years old. The playground is open to families with children 0-10 years old. All ages are welcome for lunch and the Camp Highlight Carnival.
Here is some of what we have planned for that day so far:
10am - Mixer for LGBTQ+-led families who have babies and toddlers
11am - Mixer for LGBTQ+-led families who have school-aged kids
12pm - LUNCH from Streetside BBQ with a vegan option from Goldie Falafel (indicate your preferred lunch when you register)
1pm - Mixer for LGBTQ+ Expectant and Prospective Parents
1pm-3pm - Camp Highlight Carnival
6pm - 9pm - PFP Post-Conference Adult Mixer, Stir Lounge
PFP is collaborating with Sip City Mixer to host a post-conference happy hour. While Sip City traditionally plans mixers for women, non-binary or gender non-conforming folks, this collaboration is open to ALL PFP parents and prospective parents of ALL gender identities.
Join us at Stir Lounge from 6pm-9pm for an evening of kid-free socializing. Stir is tucked away down Chancellor, an alley between 17th and 18th and Walnut and Locust. This venue is ADA accessible. While street parking in Center City is limited, there are many garages in the area. Ridesharing is highly recommended.
Sip City follows the latest Philadelphia Covid safety guidelines. Masks are encouraged if you are more comfortable.