We are family
See below for the details of the 2024 conference schedule for content for LGBTQ+ parents, prospective and expectant parents, and our kids of all ages. The conference was held in person on Saturday, November 2nd from 9am-4pm at Parkway Central Library located at 1901 Vine Street in Philadelphia.
The theme is "We Are Family ."
We offered intersectional sessions for adults and kids 7-13 centering around grounding ourselves in the facts, defining our family's values, exploring the intersection of art and activism, and learning how to advocate for ourselves and others. Read more about the session presenters on the speakers page. We are continuing to update the website check back frequently.
The theme is "We Are Family ."
We offered intersectional sessions for adults and kids 7-13 centering around grounding ourselves in the facts, defining our family's values, exploring the intersection of art and activism, and learning how to advocate for ourselves and others. Read more about the session presenters on the speakers page. We are continuing to update the website check back frequently.
schedule details and session descriptions
10:00am - 10:45am
Keynote Councilmember At-Large Rue Landau
We are Family as through a lens of community and mutual aid - intentional and chosen family and how to support each other in intersectional ways.
Keynote Councilmember At-Large Rue Landau
We are Family as through a lens of community and mutual aid - intentional and chosen family and how to support each other in intersectional ways.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Beyond the rainy day fund: How to prepare for emergencies in chosen family structures
In this session with River Niche they/them
The conventional advice for each nuclear family to save 6 months worth of expenses in case of an emergency just isn't feasible for the vast majority of families. Rather than keep our financial lives separate and secret, let's talk about ways we can use our financial and non-financial tools to support each other through difficult life events like job loss, health bills, car accidents, and more!
Difficult Conversations
Naomi Washington-Leapheart
Advocacy in Action: Strategies to Address Transphobia & Homophobia
Lex Horwitz (they/he)
We all have the responsibility to address transphobia and homophobia, but how can we do this in an effective and impactful way? In this session, participants will gain the knowledge and the tangible tools and strategies needed to address transphobia and homophobia in our communities, in addition to engaging in inclusion strategies and discussing opportunities for advocacy.
Beyond the rainy day fund: How to prepare for emergencies in chosen family structures
In this session with River Niche they/them
The conventional advice for each nuclear family to save 6 months worth of expenses in case of an emergency just isn't feasible for the vast majority of families. Rather than keep our financial lives separate and secret, let's talk about ways we can use our financial and non-financial tools to support each other through difficult life events like job loss, health bills, car accidents, and more!
Difficult Conversations
Naomi Washington-Leapheart
Advocacy in Action: Strategies to Address Transphobia & Homophobia
Lex Horwitz (they/he)
We all have the responsibility to address transphobia and homophobia, but how can we do this in an effective and impactful way? In this session, participants will gain the knowledge and the tangible tools and strategies needed to address transphobia and homophobia in our communities, in addition to engaging in inclusion strategies and discussing opportunities for advocacy.
12:00pm - 1pm
LUNCH
Prospective Parent Affinity Group
Meet up with other prospective and expectant parents to make new connections and provide mutual support on the path to parenthood. Led by PFP board member Adam Moskowitz (he/him).
Solo Parent Affinity Group
LUNCH
Prospective Parent Affinity Group
Meet up with other prospective and expectant parents to make new connections and provide mutual support on the path to parenthood. Led by PFP board member Adam Moskowitz (he/him).
Solo Parent Affinity Group
1:00pm - 1:45pm
Communication and Compromise
Galia Godel (she/he)
Learn how to use your words and actions to communicate clearly with anyone, from a family member to a colleague to a nemesis. We'll create personal communication plans that support understanding and connection, and come away with tools for compromise and consensus building. This workshop is great for neurodivergent and neurotypical folks of all ages!
It Takes a Village People: Connecting Queer and Trans Parents & Guardians of Toddlers,
Gus Moore MSEd, American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Credentialed. Gus Moore has been working with the parents and guardians of toddlers for over ten years. He believes strongly that connecting the adults who care for toddlers to ask questions, vent, and learn about parenthood has beneficially impacts on the children they care for. In this workshop you will learn about parental identity development, have opportunities to share about your experiences, and receive support in understanding toddler needs and behaviors. This workshop is created by a queer and trans early childhood educator, for queer and trans guardians in order to create a safe space for curiosity, vulnerability, and connection.
How To Talk To Kids About Sexuality
Al Vernacchio
Whether in elementary, middle, or high school, helping kids think about sexuality
in a positive rather than a fear-based way is essential to the development of
healthy sexuality. This is especially important as our kids are exposed to our
highly sexualized society at earlier and earlier ages. While there is no effective
way to prevent this exposure, there are ways to help young people engage with it
in a responsible, value-informed, and deliberate way. How can grown ups
introduce these topics to their children at any age? How do we help them see the
positive aspects of healthy sexuality and prepare them to negotiate the
challenges they will face? Join author, TED Talk presenter, and nationally known
sexuality educator Al Vernacchio for conversation and practical strategies about
these important topics.
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Stori Strong: A Web Series for LGBTQ+ Families- Laura Zaylea
Stori Strong is a forthcoming web series designed for kids in LGBTQ+ families. The fictional story centers around the protagonist Stori Strong, a 9-year-old, donor-conceived girl with two moms. Stori imagines that her donor might have superpowers. Her moms encourage her creative vision. While hosting a bake sale, gardening, and celebrating her 10th birthday, Stori is fiercely proud to share her story: Stori's story! In this workshop, we'll watch the pilot episode followed by a Q&A with the project creators.
Intimacy Panel
Angel and Genéa
An interactive and facilitated dialogue about connection, transparency, fun, acceptance, and how to support each other through physical and emotional connection. Intimacy beyond sex.
Zines Workshop
Jadzia
Communication and Compromise
Galia Godel (she/he)
Learn how to use your words and actions to communicate clearly with anyone, from a family member to a colleague to a nemesis. We'll create personal communication plans that support understanding and connection, and come away with tools for compromise and consensus building. This workshop is great for neurodivergent and neurotypical folks of all ages!
It Takes a Village People: Connecting Queer and Trans Parents & Guardians of Toddlers,
Gus Moore MSEd, American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Credentialed. Gus Moore has been working with the parents and guardians of toddlers for over ten years. He believes strongly that connecting the adults who care for toddlers to ask questions, vent, and learn about parenthood has beneficially impacts on the children they care for. In this workshop you will learn about parental identity development, have opportunities to share about your experiences, and receive support in understanding toddler needs and behaviors. This workshop is created by a queer and trans early childhood educator, for queer and trans guardians in order to create a safe space for curiosity, vulnerability, and connection.
How To Talk To Kids About Sexuality
Al Vernacchio
Whether in elementary, middle, or high school, helping kids think about sexuality
in a positive rather than a fear-based way is essential to the development of
healthy sexuality. This is especially important as our kids are exposed to our
highly sexualized society at earlier and earlier ages. While there is no effective
way to prevent this exposure, there are ways to help young people engage with it
in a responsible, value-informed, and deliberate way. How can grown ups
introduce these topics to their children at any age? How do we help them see the
positive aspects of healthy sexuality and prepare them to negotiate the
challenges they will face? Join author, TED Talk presenter, and nationally known
sexuality educator Al Vernacchio for conversation and practical strategies about
these important topics.
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Stori Strong: A Web Series for LGBTQ+ Families- Laura Zaylea
Stori Strong is a forthcoming web series designed for kids in LGBTQ+ families. The fictional story centers around the protagonist Stori Strong, a 9-year-old, donor-conceived girl with two moms. Stori imagines that her donor might have superpowers. Her moms encourage her creative vision. While hosting a bake sale, gardening, and celebrating her 10th birthday, Stori is fiercely proud to share her story: Stori's story! In this workshop, we'll watch the pilot episode followed by a Q&A with the project creators.
Intimacy Panel
Angel and Genéa
An interactive and facilitated dialogue about connection, transparency, fun, acceptance, and how to support each other through physical and emotional connection. Intimacy beyond sex.
Zines Workshop
Jadzia
PROGRAMMING FOR OLDER KIDS
Get Up! Stand Up!
Kids 7-13 years old will learn some proactive ways to be an ally and advocate for themselves and their peers in this interactive session with educator Lex Horwitz (they/them). We'll also review the Gender Unicorn and do an associated craft project.
Trivia That Slaps
Al Vernacchio
How much do you know about LGBTQ+ history and culture? How much do you
know about your body and how it works? How much do you know about
sexuality in general? This trivia game offers fun, informative, and useful
information for tweens and teens as they navigate the world and seek to develop
healthy, empowered, and positive sexuality. All that plus cash and prizes for the
winners!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Queerspawn in the Family
This will be a dialogue between LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents and queerspawn (people with LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers). We will discuss the impacts of being raised by LGBTQ+ parents and the lasting connection queerspawn feel to queer community and culture. Led by COLAGEr Em Harnett (they/them). COLAGE.org
Get Up! Stand Up!
Kids 7-13 years old will learn some proactive ways to be an ally and advocate for themselves and their peers in this interactive session with educator Lex Horwitz (they/them). We'll also review the Gender Unicorn and do an associated craft project.
Trivia That Slaps
Al Vernacchio
How much do you know about LGBTQ+ history and culture? How much do you
know about your body and how it works? How much do you know about
sexuality in general? This trivia game offers fun, informative, and useful
information for tweens and teens as they navigate the world and seek to develop
healthy, empowered, and positive sexuality. All that plus cash and prizes for the
winners!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Queerspawn in the Family
This will be a dialogue between LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents and queerspawn (people with LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers). We will discuss the impacts of being raised by LGBTQ+ parents and the lasting connection queerspawn feel to queer community and culture. Led by COLAGEr Em Harnett (they/them). COLAGE.org