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, especially as our families faced back-to-school season more uncertain than ever. Explore the education-related resources we released this year below:
- Navigating Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” Settlement at School
- Unpacking the Historic Settlement of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” law
- Starting a Conversation About Inclusion with Your Child’s School
- Advocacy 101: How Parents Can Help Create Safe and Inclusive Schools
- Creating Safe Spaces In and Out of the Classroom: A Guide for Parents
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
Autumn at Family Equality brought with it a number of amazing community-building events, expert resources, and more!
Launching a State-by-State Foster Care Guide
In response to the immediate need for safe, loving homes for children in foster care, Family Equality created a new state-by-state foster care resource guide for LGBTQ+ parents and parents-to-be. The guide aims to support those interested in expanding their families through adoption with an educational overview of the current state of foster care laws, regulations, and policies.
Celebrating Family Weekend in the Midwest
We were thrilled to welcome LGBTQ+ families to Minneapolis this autumn for our beloved, weekend-long event: Family Weekend in the Midwest! Families enjoyed pizza parties, drag shows, costume contests, and trunk-or-treating with Family Equality, our presenting sponsor, Target, and our co-hosts, Twin Cities Pride and Kenvue’s CARE WITH PRIDE® initiative.
LGBTQ+ Families and Marriage: What does the Election Mean for Us?
Following the pivotal Presidential election, our team got to work to communicate to LGBTQ+ families what they need to know to keep their relationships secure. Along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), the Movement Advancement Project, and GLAD Law, we hosted an important conversation about LGBTQ+ marriage and family protections.
The Road Ahead
With a pivotal election behind 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!