Restoring compassion to the classroom and more
This spring, families scored a big win with the resolution of the lawsuit against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” law (H.B. 1557). As plaintiffs in this critical case, Family Equality grateful for this crucial step forward — but we recognize that the journey for complete inclusion continues.
To that end, Family Equality has worked tirelessly to provide LGBTQ+ families in Florida and similar states with the resources they need to navigate our current uncertain legal landscape, including:
- Advocating for Classroom Inclusion: Navigating Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” Settlement
- Unpacking the Historic Settlement of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” law
- 7 Things LGBTQ+ Families Should Know About Foster Care
- Overcoming Current Obstacles in LGBTQ+ Family Formation
In addition to providing these impactful resources to our families, our team continues to work to better understand the unique needs of this community through our 2024 Family Equity Justice Survey, a facet of our Family Equity Justice Project that seeks to better understand the diverse needs and experiences of our families.
In times like these, it’s more important than ever that LGBTQ+ families feel seen, supported, and protected. That’s what Family Equality is all about.
Creating connection, community, and change
Summer at Family Equality brought with it a number of amazing community-building events, national spotlights, victories for our families, and more!
Passing the Massachusetts Parentage Act
Following more than seven years of advocacy, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate enacted the bipartisan Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA), a historic piece of legislation that will ensure legal parentage equality by providing clear, comprehensive, consistent, and accessible avenues to establish legal parentage for families in the Commonwealth. This is a huge victory for our families!
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Family Week
This year, we welcomed around 600 families, and more than 1,500 individuals, to Provincetown, Massachusetts for the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of Family Week, the largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families in the world. Since the event’s founding in 1994, it’s grown to include families from 33 states and Washington D.C., and 8 countries outside of the U.S.
GEMS Sparkling Wine with Equality Vines and Heather Dubrow
Family Equality partnered with Heather Dubrow from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and Equality Vines to launch a new “GEMS Sparkling Wine” collection honoring Dubrow’s four children, some of whom are LGBTQ+, with her husband Dr. Terry Dubrow. In addition to putting a national spotlight on Family Equality, 100% of the proceeds from this partnership go towards supporting our work!
The Road Ahead
With a pivotal election upon us, we’re setting our sights on what’s ahead: Fiercely protecting our families through policy work, storytelling, and building resilience in the community. But we need your help.
From the statehouse to the school board, people in positions of power are threatening the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ youth and families. But, we know that if we come together, we can usher in an era of full lived and legal equality. By joining this movement, you can help us create a brighter future for families!