Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating
Change in Denver, Colorado.
Creating Change is hosted annually by the National Gay and Lesbian
Task
Force and is the LGBT equality movement’s premier national
gathering for activists. Family Equality Council staff hosted the
second Family Institute, a day-long session focused this year on
LGBT families at the intersections of race, class, and gender. Over
50 people attended and had the opportunity to learn from the
Williams Institute about the latest research on
the geographic, racial/ethnic and socio-economic diversity of LGBT
families in the United States, as well as participate in small
group discussions on sexuality and gender, economic justice,
families of color, transracial adoption and a variety of other
topics.
Family Equality Council staff also participated as faculty in the
Task Force’s Academy for Leadership and Action. Ember Cook, Abby
Riskin and Kara Suffredini teamed up to “train the trainers” on
putting the power of parents to work in political campaigns in a
workshop called, “New Frontiers in Family-Centered Organizing:
Lessons from the No on 8 Campaign.” The discussion was lively and
participants identified next steps for coming together to create
best practices for lifting up our families in our work to secure
equality.
Lisbeth Melendez Rivera presented to movement leaders her
highly-anticipated initial findings from our Project Harmony needs
assessment of LGBT Families of Color.
As always, Creating Change was an invaluable opportunity to meet
LGBT family activists, collaborate with national and local
partners, think strategically about our movement and in general
have a great time! We hope to see you there next year.