Family Equality works to further a future where all LGBTQ+ families and people with an LGBTQ+ parent, caregiver, or family member live in communities that fully recognize, respect, protect, and value them.
Family Equality affirms and celebrates all people, our different and intersecting perspectives and identities including, but not limited to, age, culture, ability status, ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family composition, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, body size and citizenship status. We are continually taking steps to become a more supportive and accessible organization that prioritizes diversity, justice and equity into all of our actions and policies.
Our Values
Our values are the guiding tenets of Family Equality. They are timeless, enduring, and intrinsically important. Our core values support the vision, shape the culture, and reflect our identity. Crucially, they reflect how we strive to go about our work and conduct ourselves. You can read more here. These values include:
Pride
Equity
Joy
Advocacy
Collaboration
Love
Diversity
Courage
Community Agreements
Family Equality hosts events where we and members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies can celebrate, value, and respect the diversity of our community and our families. We ask staff, attendees, participants, vendors and sponsors to commit to the following guiding agreements:
Be respectful of all individuals and families, including the right to self-identify. This includes religious identities, gender identity, etc. Please don’t make assumptions.
Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns, and ask everyone for their name and pronouns (not just the people you assume to be trans/nonbinary). If you don’t know a person’s pronouns, use their name and/or they/them pronouns until you confirm with them.
Tip: Instead of gendered terms like “ladies and gentlemen,” “sir/ma’am,” and “boys and girls,” address people in non-gendered terms. Examples: “friends,” “grown-ups,” “kiddos,” “children,” “y’all,” “partner,” and “family”
Listen to transgender and gender non-conforming people’s needs and stories when they are volunteered, but also respect privacy and boundaries by avoiding unnecessary questions.
Examples of what not to ask/say:
“Is that your real/birth name?”
“Wow, I would have never known you were trans!”
“Have you had the surgery?”
Tip 2: If someone you have known for a while asks you to start using a different name and/or pronouns for them, respect their request.
If you mess up and accidentally misgender someone, the best thing you can do is correct yourself, apologize, and move on!
Ask for consent before hugs, high-fives, and other forms of physical contact.
Tip: Giving options can be very helpful! Ex: “Do you want a hug or a high five?” instead of just asking “Do you want a hug?”
Ask people of all ages for permission before taking their picture or including them in your video. Secure additional consent before sharing or posting photos or videos on social media.
Abuse, bullying and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment can include sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Everyone has a right to use the accommodations that they need. Do not assume someone’s ability status, gender, or individual needs.
Service animals are working – please do not pet them, feed them, interact with them, or ask about their purpose.
When speaking to someone using a sign language interpreter, address the person you are speaking with, not the interpreter. If an interpreter is not present, you can use pen and paper or a cell phone to communicate through text to ask the person their preferred method of communication.
If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance regarding these Community Agreements or issues of access, please contact a staff member at Family Equality.
Family Equality values all individuals and families. We sincerely thank you for your continued awareness, understanding, and support of our agreements and values.
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