Our History

“Rights are not won on paper. They are won only by those who make their voices heard.”

Family Equality was founded as the “Gay Fathers Coalition” in 1979 at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights by gay fathers who bravely left their heterosexual marriages to pursue their truth—and who were, as a result, denied access (not to mention parenting privileges) to their children. In the 1970s, Family Equality’s founders could scarcely imagine the possibility of LGBTQ+ people consciously and intentionally forming their own families.

Today we are driven by that same truth-pursuing spirit, fighting to ensure that every LGBTQ+ person has the freedom to find, form, and sustain a family.

Gay Fathers Coalition formally organizes at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

1979

Gay Fathers Coalition formally organizes at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

The organization changes its name to Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI).

1986

The organization changes its name to Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI).

The first Family Week takes place in Provincetown, MA with over 100 families.

1995

The first Family Week takes place in Provincetown, MA with over 100 families.

GLPCI hires Ray Drew as the first paid Executive Director.

1997

GLPCI hires Ray Drew as the first paid Executive Director.

The organization changes its name to Family Pride Coalition to be inclusive of all LGBT parents and families.

1998

The organization changes its name to Family Pride Coalition to be inclusive of all LGBT parents and families.

Family Pride opens the Washington, DC office and hires its first policy staff position.

2001

Family Pride opens the Washington, DC office and hires its first policy staff position.

The first Los Angeles Awards dinner to benefit the organization is hosted.

2003

The first Los Angeles Awards dinner to benefit the organization is hosted.

The organization officially changes its name to Family Equality Council.

2007

The organization officially changes its name to Family Equality Council.

Family Equality Council hosts its first gala in New York City.

2010

Family Equality Council hosts its first gala in New York City.

Family Equality Council rings the closing bell on Wall Street on the day President Obama announced his support for marriage equality.

2012

Family Equality Council rings the closing bell on Wall Street on the day President Obama announced his support for marriage equality.

Family Equality Council opens the New York Office.

2013

Family Equality Council opens the New York Office.

White House Easter Egg Roll becomes a destination event for our families, bringing the organization national visibility

2014

White House Easter Egg Roll becomes a destination event for our families, bringing the organization national visibility

Justice Kennedy references Family Equality’s amicus brief in his decision striking down DOMA (2013) and the Obergefell decision (2015)

2015

Justice Kennedy references Family Equality’s amicus brief in his decision striking down DOMA (2013) and the Obergefell decision (2015)

Family Equality updates its mission statement to include LGBTQ+ people seeking to form families

2017

Family Equality updates its mission statement to include LGBTQ+ people seeking to form families

Family Equality merges with Path2Parenthood, strengthening family expansion programs

2018

Family Equality merges with Path2Parenthood, strengthening family expansion programs

The organization changes its name to Family Equality.

2019

The organization changes its name to Family Equality.

Family Equality creates a wealth of virtual programming (The Neighborhood, virtual galas) to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

2020

Family Equality creates a wealth of virtual programming (The Neighborhood, virtual galas) to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

Family Equality welcomes its first African American CEO, Jaymes Black.

2021

Family Equality welcomes its first African American CEO, Jaymes Black.

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