I (really do) My lGBTQ FaMIly! - Aletta

address: 

333 Sherbourne St. 

Toronto, ON 

M5A 2S5 

Phone: 

416-324-4100 

ext. 5219 

email: 

parentingnetwork@ 

sherbourne.on.ca 

Web: 

www.lgbtq 

parenting 

connection.ca 

Pride & Joy 

Newsletter of the LGBTQ Parenting Network • Summer 2010 

I (really do) y My 

lGBTQ FaMIly! 

Suzy Malik | www.suzymalik.com 

Suzy Malik: 

“ I was thrilled to be involved with 

this project . Personally, I saw it 

as a wonderful opportunity to 

represent and celebrate some of the 

amazing gender-queer parents in 

our community .” 

Willow Dawson | www.willowdawson.com 

This May, 2010, the LGBTQ Parenting Network launched the first 

run of “I y My LGBTQ Family” cards, created to celebrate one of our 

favourite features of LGBTQ families, their diversity. 

LGBTQ families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Often, LGBTQ 

families involve lots of people, sometimes a whole team. 

“I y My LGBTQ Family” cards are for all the amazing people that 

love and support kids in LGBTQ families. These cards can be given to 

a special person in your life on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any day 

that celebrates the people you love! 

Maurice Vellekoop 

www.mauricevellekoop.com 

In this Issue: 

I (Really Do) y My 

LGBTQ Family! . . . . . . 1 

Celebrating All Fabulous 

Fathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

LGBTQ Adoption 

Booklet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

MYGSA .ca . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Spotlight On: QWAK . . 5 

Family Planning 

Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

People Power! . . . . . . . . 7 

On the Road with the 

Parenting Network . . . . 9 

Training for 

Professionals . . . . . . . . 10 

LGBTQ Parenting 

Research . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Up For Discussion . . . . 16 

Birth and Adoption 

Announcements . . . . . . 17

Pride & JoyA local 

Vajdon Sohaili: 

“ I took inspiration from all the amazing LGBTQ families I have known or just 

observed - these families often have to take on considerable odds to come together 

and I have the sense that neither parents nor kids take any of it for granted .” 

labour of love, all seven “I y” cards were designed by 

Toronto artists. Each image is a unique artistic interpretation 

of this project’s goal: from Maurice Vellekoop’s Father’s Day 

breakfast in bed to Suzy Malik’s dancing drag king, to Willow 

Dawson’s dreamy network of family and friends. 

The “I y My LGBTQ Family” cards have been distributed 

to families, schools, community organizations and social 

services across Canada, and were available at Pride 

celebrations across Ontario. 

Next year’s cards are already in the planning stage, 

so stay tuned! n 

Willow Dawson: 

“ I think we’re in an amazing place right now, a time when people are 

redefining social norms and creating new family models, which are 

built on love and acceptance, not fear and prejudice of anything other 

than the status quo . These cards are a great tool for kids, helping give 

them a voice with which to express their love!” 

“I y My LGBTQ Family” Cards were launched on 

May 1, 2010, with a cabaret and youth writing workshop 

co-sponsored by youth arts organization Small Print 

Toronto (www.smallprinttoronto.org). 

L to R: Rachel Epstein, Vajdon Sohaili, Suzy Malik, Maurice 

Vellekoop, Willow Dawson and Mariko Tamaki . 

Absent: Aries Cheung 

All five artists were in attendance as well as a crowd of parents 

and kids who enjoyed performances by youth participants in 

the writing workshop, as well as bands Pink Moth (featuring 

artist Willow Dawson) and Secret Trial Five. And of course 

there was circle time with Jerry Jeremiah. 

Many thanks to all who came out to these events. We had a 

fabulous time and look forward to future literary events. 

www.ariescheung.comVajdon Sohaili 

www.redbubble.com/people/vajdon 

LGBTQ Parenting Network Newsletter • Summer 2010 

Aries Cheung 

Suzy Malik 

Suzy Malik 

2

Pride & Joy 

CeleBraTInG all FaBulous FaThers! 

This June, the LGBTQ Parenting Network at 

Sherbourne Health Centre, Queer Parenting Programs 

at The 519 and the Father Involvement Research 

Alliance were pleased to launch Celebrating All 

Fabulous Fathers, a vibrant new poster that brings 

visibility to gay, bi, trans and queer (GBTQ) dads. 

Lack of visibility and issues of entitlement are two themes at the heart of the experiences of many 

GBTQ dads. The general lack of visibility and under-representation of positive images of GBTQ 

fathers and their families continue to represent significant barriers to the health and wellbeing of these 

fathers and their children, and to GBTQ men envisioning themselves as parents. 

Now we have Celebrating All Fabulous Fathers, an intimate, community-minded, fatherhood poster for 

our families, friends, service providers and community-based organizations. 

The poster is two sided (English/French) and is centered on the 

image of a stainless steel fridge door on which you will find: 

• Photos of GBTQ dads/granddads and their 

children/grandchildren. 

• The word “Father” translated into 40 languages. 

• The cheer listed above. 

• Fun fridge magnets celebrating 

LGBTT2SIQQ communities. 

Use this poster to: 

• Challenge preconceived notions of what 

constitutes a family. 

• Empower, make visible and validate the 

lived experiences of GBTQ grandfathers, 

fathers and their children. 

• Encourage prospective GBTQ fathers. 

• Help our families to flourish. 

Post them up in community centres, daycare 

and pre-natal centres, health centres, 

libraries, schools and other public spaces. 

Indicate to GBTQ fathers and their families 

that your environment is attempting to be 

safe and welcoming. 

Celebrating All Fabulous Fathers joins the Queering the Family Tree poster for distribution across 

Canada. To order copies please contact parentingresources@sherbourne.on.ca or stop by to pick one 

up at The 519 Church Street Community Centre in Toronto when you are in the neighborhood. 

View Celebrating All Fabulous Fathers at: www.lgbtqparentingconnection.ca n 


3

Pride & Joy 

neW resourCe For 

adoPTIon Workers! 

LGBTQ Adoption in Ontario is a new booklet 

summarizing results from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, 

Transgender, Transsexual and Two-Spirit Adoption 

in Ontario: Policy, Practice & Personal Narratives 

research project, a research collaboration between the 

LGBTQ Parenting Network and CAMH. 

The booklet, aimed at Ontario adoption workers, 

outlines key findings from the project. It includes 

personal stories about positive and negative 

experiences in the adoption process, as well as 

practical suggestions for adoption workers who 

want to support LGBTQ prospective parents. The 

booklet also highlights some key issues in LGBTQ 

adoption, including discussions of “male” and 

“female” role models, myths and stereotypes about 

LGBTQ people, the experiences of bisexual adoption 

applicants, and the potential advantages of LGBTQ 

identities in the adoption process. 

To download a PDF of this booklet, visit 

www.lgbtqparentingconnection.ca and search 

“LGBTQ Adoption” under the Resources section. 

To purchase a copy of the booklet, visit 

www.RainbowHealthOntario.com. 

More information about this study 

is also available… 

Ross, L.E., Epstein, R., Goldfinger, C., 

Yager, C. (2008). Lesbian and queer mothers 

navigating the adoption system: The impacts 

on mental health. Health Sociology Review, 

17, 254-266. 

Ross, L.E., Epstein, R., Goldfinger, C., Yager, 

C. (2009). Policy and practice regarding 

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual 

and Two-Spirit adoption in Ontario. Canadian 

Public Policy, 35(4), 451-451. 

Ross, L.E., Epstein, R., Anderson, S., Eady, 

A. (2009). Policy, practice and personal 

narratives: Experiences of LGBTQ people 

with adoption in Ontario, Canada. Adoption 

Quarterly, 12(3/4), 272-293. n 

MyGsa.Ca 


On May 17, 2010, 

the International Day 

Against Homophobia 

and Transphobia, Egale 

Canada launched www.MyGSA.ca, a new, 

innovative, bilingual website where youth, 

parents, educators and allies can connect 

and share information. 

MyGSA.ca is a link to: 

• Community - An interactive space 

for queer Canadian youth, educators, 

parents (including parents of LGBTQ 

youth and LGBTQ parents) and allies 

• Safer Spaces - A place to share 

and connect about safe schools and 

inclusive education 

• Information and Resources - With 

an online forum, information on 

on-going LGBTQ campaigns, 

statistics, maps, school board policies, 

lesson plans, resources, the latest new 

clips, and more… 

In the planned “Phase Two” of this 

website’s development, www.MyGSA. 

ca will also act as a connector for parents 

of LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ parents and 

educators and administrators who want to 

make schools safer, more inclusive spaces. 

The website is currently seeking input 

for this stage of development. If you are 

interested in being part of this process, 

you can connect with MyGSA.ca at either 

mygsa@egale.ca or 1.888.204.7777. 

In the meantime, parents are encouraged 

to explore all the resources and materials 

available on the site! n 

4

Pride & Joy 

sPoTlIGhT on: QWak 

We are a group of gay moms living in the Greater Toronto Area. 

We call ourselves QWAK, which stands for Queer Women And 

their Kids. Our membership is exclusive to women; we welcome 

same sex partners and queer positive female family members and 

friends to any event organized by the group. We are also an online 

community, with a home base on Facebook, where we meet to 

share, post questions, discuss, and plan events. 

We are very participatory and inclusive and encourage 

all members, even the shy ones, to get involved and 

come out to events. It is a private online community 

because as much as the members want a forum to 

share, they also want to keep their families safe and 

protect their family privacy. 

QWAK has monthly events that include all kinds of 

diverse activities - some are for the whole family, and 

some are Moms-only events. Here are some examples of 

our most popular events: 

• At the beginning of the year we shake away the winter blues with an annual “membership” potluck 

where we look back at the past year and review what worked and what could be better, membership 

administration, etc. Not to mention amazing food and wonderful company. 

• Each year we march together in the Toronto Dyke March (2010 will be our 8th year) to celebrate our 

diversity, our passion and our pride. We take pride in being part of this grassroots event where women 

in the LGBTTIQQ2S communities take over the streets of Toronto. 

• In the summer we enjoy a camping weekend - 2010 will be our 8th annual event - where we come 

together as a community of 50-60 people - moms and kids - and share the great outdoors together, 

experiencing the raccoons outside the tents at night, backpacking to the beach, the serenity of being in 

the wooded areas, a more serene night sky. There’s nothing like doing stuff together with other moms and 

their kids - we go home tired and dirty but refreshed, recharged, and an increased sense of community. 

If you are interested in joining, search “QWAK” or “Queer Women and their Kids” on Facebook and click 

on the “Request to Join Group. n 


5

Pride & Joy 

FaMIly PlannInG and Pre-naTal Courses 10/11: 

Contemplating becoming a parent? Expecting a newborn in your life? 

Come explore your options with others in an affirming environment. 

DaDDies & PaPas 2B 

A 12-week course for gay/bisexual/ 

queer men considering parenthood. 

Come explore practical, emotional, social and 

legal issues involved with becoming a parent. 

Held on Wednesdays, 7 pm to 9:30 pm. 

Registration: $100 (PW YC) plus $25 

for manual. 

Fall 2010: Sept. 22 to Dec. 8 

Winter 2011: Feb. 23 to May 11 

Dykes PLanning 

tykes 

A 12-week course for lesbian/ 

bisexual/queer women considering 

parenthood. Come explore practical, 

emotional, social and legal issues involved 

with becoming a parent. 

Held on Wednesdays, 7 pm to 9:30 pm. 

Registration: $100 (PW YC) plus $25 

for manual. 

Fall 2010: Sept. 22 to Dec. 8 

Winter 2011: Feb. 23 to May 11 

Dykes PLanning 

tykes WeekenD 

intensive 2010 

This condensed version of the course is 

designed over a weekend especially for those 

living beyond the GTA. *Course will take 

place at Sherbourne Health Centre, 

333 Sherbourne Street. Registration: $75 

(PWYC) plus $25 for manual. 

Spring 2011: 

Friday, April 8 7 pm to 9:30 pm 

Saturday, April 9 10 am to 6 pm 

Sunday, April 10 10 am to 5 pm 

DPT & DP2B are joint programs of The 519 and 

the Sherbourne Health Centre . 

the queeR Positive 

PRe-nataL cLass 

A space for people of diverse family 

structures and identities who are expecting a 

newborn, whether through birth, adoption or 

surrogacy. Come find out about the stages of 

birth, creating a birth plan, life after giving birth, 

understanding newborns, and much more. Partners, 

co-parents and your support people are welcome. 

Registration: $75 (PWYC) plus $20 for manual. 

Friday: 7 pm to 9:30 pm 

Saturday: 9:30 am to 5 pm 

Sunday: 9:30 am to 5 pm 

January 14, 15, 16, 2011 

April 15, 16, 17, 2011 

October 14, 15, 16, 2011 

A program of The 519 Church St . Community Centre . 

In DEVELoPMEnT... 

queeR PaRents 2B? 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network and Queer Parenting 

Programs at The 519 are currently developing a 

potential new LGBTTQ Family Planning course 

open to people across the LGBTQ spectrum. Our 

goal is to offer a course for people who may feel that 

they don’t fit within the current DPT/DP2B course 

offerings. This might include people who identify as 

trans, genderqueer, bisexual, pansexual, and so on, or 

people who simply feel more comfortable in a mixed 

queer environment. 

If you would like to be kept updated on the 

progress of this course development, 

please leave your contact information with Mariko 

Tamaki at the LGBTQ Parenting Network: 

parentingresources@sherbourne.on.ca. n 

RegistRation PRocess: The above courses require paid pre-registration to ensure a spot. 

Registration is done on a first-come-first-served basis. To register, please see or call Karin or Nicole at The 

519 Community Centre’s Front Desk, (416) 392-6874. 

Locations: All courses will be held at The 519 (519 Church Street) except for the Dykes Planning Tykes 

Weekend Intensive, which will be held at Sherbourne Health Centre (333 Sherbourne Street). 

FoR FuRtheR questions: Please contact Chris Veldhoven, Queer Parenting Programs 

Coordinator, 416 355 6780, queerparenting@the519.org. 


6

Pride & Joy 

PeoPle PoWer! 

The LgBtq Parenting network would like to introduce you to some of the 

talented people who have made all the difference in our ability to bring you 

programs, new resources and special events this past year. This includes our 2010 

placement students, our new facilitator and dedicated research assistants. These are 

people we are happy to call important members of our ever-expanding LgBtq Pn 

team. We could not do what we do with out them! 

I am happy to be the new facilitator for the upcoming Fall session of Dykes 

Planning Tykes! I took the course with Rachel and Rose many years ago. 

What we learned, and the connection we developed with this group, helped 

us through the difficult times. Six years later, I’m happy to say that my 

partner and I are finally the mothers we always hoped we would be. 

Before our incredible daughter (now two!) came into our lives, I juggled a 

career as a fiction writer and filmmaker with that of a part-time professor 

in the social service and community worker programs at George Brown 

College. I have a long history of working and volunteering in feminist 

organizations and advocating for social justice. Incidentally, my short 

story collection, released in 2009, earned me a Commonwealth Writer’s 

Prize nomination. 

Now, I’m juggling my life as the mother of an active two year old with that 

of a writer alongside my commitment to building and supporting women 

and transfolk as they consider parenthood. It is a privilege to be part of an 

LGTBQ community as we dream up, plot and plan, and grow and nurture 

the families (however we define family) that we truly deserve. 

DanieLLe 

sutheRLanD 


niLa 

guPta 

My name is Danielle Sutherland. I’m a Masters of Social Work student from 

Ryerson University, graduating in September 2010. I identify as Queerspawn 

(child of a LGBTQ parent) and I have spent the last six years of my life 

advocating for more support, community and services for Queerspawn. I 

have been actively involved with the Ten Oaks Project in Ottawa since 2008; 

I’ve been a camp counsellor at Camp Ten Oaks, a co-Chair of the Youth 

Advisory Committee for Project Acorn. I have also been involved with 

Ottawa’s Around the Rainbow, as a placement student and a volunteer. I 

am currently writing a Major Research Paper, “Can Queerspawn Be an 

Identity?: Youth with LGBTQ Parents Talk About Their Identity.” 

I have really enjoyed my time at the LGBTQ Parenting Network this past 

year. I have been involved in Ottawa with other organizations that work 

with Queer families and it has been wonderful to get involved in Toronto. 

I really respect all the work that the Parenting Network does and I am 

grateful for the opportunity to have been involved with them. 

7

Pride & Joy 

I’m currently working on my Master’s of Social Work at York University. 

My research interests focus on queer youth of colour community, 

and the intersections of race, space, and sexuality. I was drawn to 

a placement with the Parenting Network because of my interest in 

LGBTQ health and communities. 

At the Parenting Network I have had the pleasure of working on 

“Celebrating our Families,” a groundbreaking research project looking at 

the experiences of African and Caribbean LGBTQ parents in Toronto. 

Next year, I’ll be doing my placement with Rainbow Health Ontario and 

I can’t wait! 

aDinne 

schWaRz 

I have been hooked on the LGBTQ Parenting Network since 2008, when 

I joined up as an MSW placement student, working in community 

development and research. As a research assistant, I work with Adinne 

Schwartz and Rachel Epstein to analyze interviews with teachers, parents, 

and Queer Spawn about their experiences at school. 


kam 

husBanDs 

I’ve been involved with the Parenting Network since 2008, working on 

research project with Becky Idems and Rachel Epstein that examines the 

experiences of Queer Spawn in school. You can read about some of our 

findings in the anthology, “Who’s Your Daddy? And Other Writings on Queer 

Parenting .” 

I feel very lucky to be doing this work. I’m thrilled to be able to combine 

my academic and career interests in Education research with my personal 

and political passion for feminist and queer advocacy in my work with the 

Parenting Network. It’s very fulfilling when all of these interests collide and 

I can see the work we are doing to create inclusive school environments for 

queer parents and their children paying off. 

When I’m not weeding my vegetable patch, or developing a green preemployment 

program for youth, I’m usually analyzing transcripts and 

daydreaming about a future where archaeologists dig up the fossilized 

remains of “normal,” and don’t know what to make of them. n Becky 

iDems 

8

Pride & Joy 

on The road WITh The ParenTInG neTWork 

suDBuRy, ontaRio | JuLy, 2009 

PRiDe 

Sudbury, Ontario celebrated Pride from July 13-19, 2009 with an 

array of cultural, educational, political and celebratory events. Rachel 

Epstein, coordinator of the LGBTQ Parenting Network, was invited 

to give a talk entitled: “Queering the Family Tree: Reflections on new 

developments in Canadian LGBT parenting.” The event, held at the 

aromatic and charming Fromagerie Elgin, turned into a rich discussion with Sudbury parents and activists 

about possible local actions. Thanks to the Sudbury Pride committee, especially Shana Calixte, for the 

warm welcome! 

montReaL, queBec | novemBeR, 2009 

canaDian FeRtiLity anD anDRoLogy 

society (cFas) annuaL meeting 

The CFAS annual meeting is a gathering for professionals in the field 

of fertility/infertility. It is an opportunity to get updated on current 

research, legislative and policy developments and to meet, mingle and 

network with other practitioners. The LGBTQ Parenting Network is 

a regular queer presence at this meeting and we are active members of the CFAS special interest group for 

fertility counselors. This group has just completed a set of practice guidelines for fertility counselors. The 

AHRA/LGBTQ Working Group will be reviewing the guidelines for LGBTQ content. 

ottaWa | aPRiL, 2010 

assisteD human RePRoDuction agency 

The Assisted Human Reproduction Agency is the federal government 

agency responsible for enforcement of the 2004 Assisted Human 

Reproduction Act. The LGBTQ Parenting Network is a reference 

group to the agency and recently attended a consultation on the issue 

of multiple births. It was an opportunity to network with advocacy 

groups related to infertility and multiple births as well as to get filled 

in on developments with regards to the Act. Basically, the development of regulations pertaining to the Act 

has been stalled due to the lack of decision on Quebec’s constitutional challenge to parts of the Act. The 

Quebec government, with support from New Brunswick, Alberta and Saskatchewan, has argued that human 

reproduction is a medical issue, not a matter of criminal law and, as such, falls under provincial jurisdiction. 

A decision continues to be expected imminently. 

The Parenting Network also continues to set on the Agency’s editorial committee, offering feedback to try 

and ensure that their materials accurately reflect the language and concerns of LGBTQ communities. 

The Parenting Network, in partnership with CAMH, has recently received funding from the 

Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) to examine the experiences of LGBTQ people who 

have used (or thought about using) fertility clinics and/or sperm banks in Ontario. See page 12 for 

info on how to participate. 


9

Pride & Joy 

toRonto, ontaRio | aPRiL, 2010 

RainBoW heaLth ontaRio conFeRence 

Rainbow Health Ontario held its first bi-annual conference in Toronto 

in April, 2010. The conference was a forum for health and social 

service providers, community members, researchers and policy makers 

to share knowledge, experience and ideas that address the health and 

wellness needs of LGBT people. Parenting Network coordinator 

Rachel Epstein was a panelist at the conference’s closing plenary. She spoke about history and future 

directions in queer parenting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our radical roots and the valuable 

lessons queer parenting offers with regards to gender and sexuality. 

aLL yeaR RounD 

eDucationaL WoRkshoPs anD 

tRaining FoR PRoFessionaLs 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network offers educational workshops, 

trainings, public speaking, and lectures on a wide range of LGBTQ 

parenting issues and themes. 

We work with health, legal, social work and education organizations, service providers and professionals who 

are interested in making their services more accessible and friendly to LGBTQ families. 

This year the Parenting Network provided trainings, presentations, and/or workshops in hospital settings, in 

nursery, elementary and high schools, to family resource programs, transition houses, adoption, foster and 

supervised access workers, and children’s mental health centres. We also presented to university and college 

students in midwifery, education, nursing, medical, child care and social work programs, as well as women, 

gender and sexuality studies, criminology, and child and youth studies. 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network offers specific in-service training to sperm banks and fertility clinics 

interested in improving their cultural competency with regards to LGBTQ clients. The training we offer 

covers broad LGBTQ issues and concerns, including LGBTQ issues with regards to the Assisted Human 

Reproduction Act, as well as information focused specifically on the needs of particular groups, for e.g. trans 

people accessing fertility clinics. We have worked with many of the downtown Toronto clinics and look 

forward to continuing to develop these connections in Toronto and beyond. 

For more info: parentingnetwork@sherbourne.on.ca 

some highLights FRom the Past yeaR incLuDe: 

International Women’s Day 

Law Society of Upper Canada 

Public Education Equality 

Series 

March 8, 2010 

Redefining Mother: The Impact 

of Reproductive Technologies 

and the Assisted Human 

Reproduction Act on Women 

and Family Law 

Supervised Access Program 

- Ministry of the Attorney 

General 

Coordinator’s Meeting 

October, 2009 

Workshop on increasing 

LGBTQ cultural competency in 

supervised access situations. 


Orangeville, Ontario 

Dufferin Diversity 

Development Days 

April, 2010 

Workshop for service providers 

on working with LGBTQ 

families. 

10

Pride & Joy 

ParenTInG neTWork In 

CyBer sPaCe 

suPeRviseD visitation netWoRk 

JanuaRy, 2010 

The Supervised Visitation Network (SVN) is an international 

membership organization of professionals who provide supervised visitation and access services to families. 

The Network provides opportunities for networking, sharing of information, and training for agencies 

and individuals who are interested in assuring that children can have safe, conflict-free access to parents 

with whom they do not reside. Recognizing that LGBTQ families are not free from conflict, the SVN, 

spearheaded by Executive Director Joe Nullet, collaborated with the Parenting Network to develop an 

internet phone training on “LGBTQ Parents and Supervised Visitation.” Approximately 50 supervised 

visitation workers from across North America participated in the training. 

B.c. counciL oF FamiLies 

may, 2010 

The B.C. Council of Families is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that develops programs, services 

and resources to strengthen and support families and family-serving professionals in BC. The Council 

recently began a monthly podcast series, Voices of Family. The first podcast features Rachel Epstein speaking 

about “Diversity and Change: Queer Parenting in Canada.” Ruby Banga, coordinator of BC’s Nobody’s 

Perfect Parenting Program, hosts. 17 minutes http://www.bccf.ca/voices-family 

To view Epstein’s article, “What is a Family?” originally published in Family Connections Volume 14 Issue 2 

of Spring 2010, go to: www.bccf.ca/all/resources/what-family 

on-Line couRse FoR FeRtiLity counseLoRs 

June, 2010 

TAPE Educational Services offers continuous learning to professionals and organizations working in health 

care and human services. Fertility counselor Sherry Dale recently developed a 6-module on-line training 

course for fertility counselors, including a 4-week module entitled “Working with Specific Client Groups 

in the Fertility Clinic Setting.” This module includes units on Cultural Issues in ART, Spiritual Factors in 

Infertility; Working with Single People Accessing Fertility Treatments; and LGBTQ Family Building. The 

Parenting Network was invited to develop and deliver the unit on working with LGBTQ clients, which we 

did in June, 2010. The on-line discussion was interesting and rich, and hopefully will result in some fertililty 

counselors with increased awareness of the specific experiences and concerns of LGBTQ clients. 

PrIde & Joy neWsleTTer and e-neWs 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network sends out a regular e-Newsletter providing information on 

upcoming events and information relevant to LGBTQ families. 

Both the e-newsletter and Pride & Joy can be viewed and/or downloaded at 

www.lgbtqparentingconnection.ca or send an email to: parentingresources@sherbourne.on.ca. 


11

Pride & Joy 

lGBTQ ParenTInG researCh uPdaTe 

The LgBtq Parenting network, in a longstanding partnership with the social 

equity and health Research section of camh, is currently working on several 

studies addressing LgBtq parenting issues: 

The Creating Our Families Project: A pilot study of the experiences of lesbian, gay, 

bisexual and trans people accessing Assisted Human Reproduction services in Ontario. 

The Parenting Network and CAMH recently received a grant to examine the experiences of LGBTQ people 

who have used fertility clinics and sperm donation services in Ontario or who considered using these services 

but didn’t due to barriers. 

goals of the research 

In 2004, The Assisted Human Reproduction Act became law in Canada. This legislation contains a nondiscrimination 

clause barring discrimination in AHR services based on sexual orientation and marital status. 

1. We want to know if LGBTQ people’s experiences with AHR services are congruent with this nondiscrimination 

clause. 

2. We also want to identify barriers and supports to AHR service access for LGBTQ people. 

3. We want to see if there are similarities and differences in the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and 

trans people (including people who identify as more than one of these categories) with AHR services. 

4. We plan to use the knowledge we gain to inform AHR service delivery in Ontario and to develop 

future research in this area. 

We hope to interview approximately 40 LGBTQ 

people from across Ontario. 

how can you help? 

Pass on the information below to anyone you think 

might be interested! Participate yourself if the 

information below applies to you. 

We are interested in talking to 

LGBTQ people who: 

Have used a fertility clinic or sperm bank in 

Ontario in the past three years 

AND 

Have considered using fertility clinics or 

sperm banks but didn’t because you faced 

barriers or thought you might 

• Participation includes a 1 hour interview. 

• We’d love to talk to individuals, couples 

or multi-parent families. 

• Compensation will be provided. 

• ASL interpretation and wheelchair 

accessible interview spaces are available 

upon request. 

For more information or to participate please contact us: 

Phone: 1-866-371-6667 or 416 535-8501 x 7380 • Email: creating_families@camh.net n 


12

Pride & Joy 

lGBTQ adoPTIon In onTarIo 

Lesbian, gay, Bisexual, transgender, transsexual and two-spirit adoption in 

ontario: Policy, Practice & Personal narratives 

This research, now complete, explored how changes in adoption policy have impacted access to adoption by 

LGBTQ people in Ontario. Some highlights: 

• Many LGBTQ people have positive experiences with the adoption system. 

• Many adoption workers have an understanding of how to work with lesbian and gay adoptive parents. 

• Some adoption workers recognize the potential strengths of lesbian and gay people as adoptive parents. 

• Many adoption workers may lack an understanding of bisexual and transgender people and their 

potential strengths as adoptive parents. 

• People in smaller communities are often more likely to encounter workers who are unfamiliar with 

LGBTQ people. 

• Many adoption workers believe that LGBTQ people need to provide “male” and “female” gender role 

models for their adopted children. 

• Requiring these kinds of gender role models suggests that LGBTQ families that do not include differentsex 

parents are not sufficient to meet the needs of their children. 

Resources for LgBtq people considering adoption 

• Queer Parenting Info Brochure Series: LGBTQ Adoption 

Outlines different types of adoption (public, private, international), a guide to the adoption process, 

issues related to race and culture, negative and positive experiences of LGBTQ people in the adoption 

process, list of LGBTQ parenting and adoption resources. 

A downloadable PDF of this brochure is available at www.LGBTQparentingconnection.ca. 

To order copies, visit www.RainbowHealthontario.com. 

• Talk to an LGBTQ person who has been through the adoption process 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network has a list of LGBTQ people who have adopted and are willing to talk to 

others who are considering adoption. For more information: parentingresources@sherbourne.on.ca. 

Resources for ontario adoption workers 

• LGBTQ Adoption in Ontario - A Booklet for Adoption Workers. See page 4 of this issue of Pride & Joy 

for more information. Also see brochure on LGBTQ Adoption above. 

• The LGBTQ Parenting Network and CAMH are offering workshops to adoption and foster care agencies 

interested in increasing their capacity to work effectively with LGBTQ people. This year we held 

workshops in Sudbury, Guelph, Hamilton, Peel and Toronto. We appreciate the openness of participants 

to date, and have had some fun, interesting, challenging, engaging and enriching conversations. 

To request a workshop on LGBTQ adoption for your agency, classroom or organization, contact 

parentingnetwork@sherbourne.on.ca. n 

CeleBraTInG our FaMIlIes: 

Black african/caribbean LgBitq people raising children/youth 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network, the Social Equity and Health Research Section (CAMH), 

freelance research consultant Llana James, and recently, research assistants Kam Husbands 

and Yun Gao, continue to work on data analysis of 20 interviews exploring the experiences 

and challenges facing LGBTQ Black African and Caribbean parents in the Toronto area. 

The project focuses on the complex intersections between different forms of connection and 

exclusion experienced by African and Caribbean queer parents and the impact on health and 

service use. We are working on a community report to be launched shortly. 


13

Pride & Joy 

Trans ParenTs: 

sTruGGles, sTraTeGIes, and 

sTorIes oF TransForMaTIon 

This fall, the LGBTQ Parenting Network 

will launch an exciting new research 

project focused on trans parents! This 

project will be a unique opportunity for 

trans parents to share their perspectives on 

their family experiences. 

Existing research on trans parenting offers 

very limited insight as it often focuses 

on the question of whether or not the 

children of trans parents will grow up to 

be “normal.” Absent from this research 

is discussion of the unique perspectives, 

opportunities and gifts trans parents offer 

their children because of, not in spite of, 

their trans identities. 

Funded by the Community One 

Foundation and the Centre for the 

Study of Gender, Social Inequities and 

Mental Health, this research will focus 

on what trans families need as they 

navigate the challenges of invisibility and 

discrimination. 

The ultimate goal of this project is to shift 

negative attitudes and improve services to 

enhance trans parents’ abilities to connect 

with their kids, bring new children into 

their lives and care for their families in 

welcoming communities. 

In focus groups this September, we hope to 

hear from the range of those who identify 

as trans (trans women, trans men, twospirited, 

gender queer) as well as a diversity 

of parenting roles (adoptive, step-parents, 

non-biological parents and birth parents). 

Honoraria and child care will be provided. 

Watch for announcements as we 

get ready to launch the project! For 

more information, go to www. 

LGBTQparentingconnection.ca and 

look under research or contact: Jake 

Pyne jake.pyne@ryerson.ca n 

Jake and Beto 

Photo by David Hawe 

Jake Pyne is a trans dad, community-based researcher 

and social work student who will be coordinating 

this project . Jake worked on Trans PULSE, the FTM 

Safer Shelter Research Project and is currently a 

community-based research trainee at the Centre for 

the Study of Gender, Social Inequities and Mental 

Health . Jake is also a proud member of the Toronto 

Trans Dads group . 


14

Pride & Joy 

CulTurally 

Queer kIds 

What do teachers have to say about 

doing anti-homophobia work in 

their classrooms? 

A project of the LGBTQ Parenting Network, 

this research involved group interviews 

with young people with LGBTQ parents, 

LGBTQ parents, and teachers interested in 

anti-homophobia work in the classroom. The 

project focused on everyday school experiences. 

Last year research assistants Becky Idems and 

Adinne Schwartz worked with Rachel Epstein to 

analyze the interviews with young people. We 

wrote a book chapter called “Reading, Writing 

and Resilience: Queer Spawn Speak Out About 

School,” for the book Rachel edited, Who’s Your 

Daddy? And Other Writings on Queer Parenting 

(Sumach Press, 2009). This year we’ve been 

presenting these findings at youth conferences, 

to pre-service teachers and to LGBTQ parents in 

preschool and school settings. 

Now we’re moving on to analyze the interviews 

with teachers. We’re fortunate to be working 

again with Becky and Adinne, who are currently 

summarizing the key themes with regards to 

what helps and what gets in the way when 

teachers attempt to bring anti-homophobia work 

into their classrooms. Stay tuned! n 

lBQ ParenTInG sTudIes 

The following projects are studies in progress, 

addressing lesbian, bisexual and queer (l/b/q) 

women and parenting. 

Social exclusion and postpartum depression 

(PPD) among lesbian and bisexual mothers: 

A pilot study 


Examining the role of social relationships in the 

lives of women who experience PPD, with the 

goal of gaining insight into the social factors 

that may affect risk for developing PPD among 

l/b/q women. 

Lesbian and Bisexual Co-Parents: An 

exploratory study of the factors affecting 

mental health and wellness during pregnancy 

Examining l/b/q co-parents or non-biological 

parents’ experiences of mental health and wellness 

throughout the pregnancy process. 

Studies have completed recruitment participants 

as of May 31st, 2010, and the co-parent study 

completed data collection in early June. The 

PPD study will continue to collect follow-up 

data from our participants over the summer and 

into the fall. Findings from both studies will 

be distributed through the LGBTQ Parenting 

Network as they become available. 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network and CAMH 

would like to thank the participants who have 

taken part in these studies. n 

15

Pride & Joy 

uP For dIsCussIon: 

queeR PaRenting community FoRums on FamiLy cReation, 

Recognition, conFLict anD ReconFiguRation 

In celebration of Family Day 2010, the LGBTQ Parenting Network (Sherbourne Health Centre), 

in collaboration with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (Domestic Violence Team), created Up 

For Discussion (UFD), a new LGBTQ parenting community discussion series. UFD is a space for 

community members to engage with, explore and discuss some of the dilemmas affecting LGBTQ 

families at all stages of family life – family creation, recognition, conflict and reconfiguration. 

Up for Discussion events focus on a range of issues relating to LGBTQ parenting and families, 

including sperm donation, surrogacy, adoption, co-parenting, birth registration, violence, shared 

parenting, custody and access. All forums feature key speakers, including academic, legal and local 

“experts,” and plenty of time for discussion amongst all who attend. 

So far, UFD has had two, very successful events: 

PaRt one: sPeRm - FeB. 11, 2010 

The first of the Up for Discussion series centred on the issues/controversies 

involved in anonymous/known sperm donation. 

Guest speakers included Barry Stevens (an adult donor offspring and 

filmmaker), Suhail Abdulsameed (a coordinator with SOY - Supporting 

Our Youth and a sperm donor), Chloe Brushwood-Rose (queer mom with 

a known sperm donor and co-editor of And Baby Makes More: Known 

Donors, Queer Parents, and Our Unexpected Families), and Kelly Jordan, queer family lawyer. Speakers 

discussed the legal complexities of using known donors, the practical realities of managing family 

dynamics with known donors, as well as the issues and debates surrounding anonymous sperm 

donation. 

PaRt tWo: squaRe Peg, RounD hoLe? – maRch 11, 2010 

The second UFD forum explored the relationship between queer and trans 

families and the family law system. 

Guest speakers Joanna Radbord, a family and equality rights lawyer, and 

Professor Brenda Cossman, who teaches courses on family law, gender 

and law, and law and film, addressed questions relevant to LGBTQ 

communities including: What are our legal rights and responsibilities in 

relation to birth registration, adoption, marriage, medical decisions, child support and the definition of 

“parent”? What are the implications of these rights and responsibilities for queer parents and families? 

uPcoming uFD events: 

• Judge Harvey Brownstone and lawyer Zahra Dhanani discussing conflict, custody and access in 

LGBTQ families. 

• TDSB lawyer Gigi Basanta talking about the legal rights of parents in the school system. 

Stay tuned for more information! 


16

Pride & Joy 

PrIde & Joy Is 

delIGhTed To 

WelCoMe: 

aLexanDeR vincent 

Pinto cheng 

Alex arrived on Friday, July 3, 2009, weighing 

7 pounds, 8 ounces. His birth was the 

culmination of an extraordinary journey that 

began almost three years earlier, at Daddies and 

Papas 2B. We are forever grateful to Alex’s birthmom 

and her family, and to Joe’s sister Maria 

(Alex’s biological mom), for making our dream 

of having a family come true. We also want 

to thank all of our family and friends for their 

ongoing love, support and enthusiasm. Andrew 

Pinto and Joseph Cheng. 

aLexanDeR WiLLiam 

BiRch-young 

Jeremy and Evan are thrilled to introduce their 

baby boy Alexander, born January 19th, 2010 

and weighing in at 8 pounds 4 ounces. He was 

born from love and has brought us great joy. 

aRDen mattea 

mcnamee FosteR 


After a long journey, Jackson Foster and Colleen 

McNamee are thrilled to announce the birth of 

Arden Mattea McNamee Foster, born July 10, 

2009 at Mount Sinai Hospital. She weighed 9lb 

6oz and was 21 inches. We are deeply grateful 

for the support of a large team of health care 

providers who all played a role in helping Arden 

join our family, from conception to post-partum. 

Arden continues to bring us boundless joy! 

aRinoLu moRgan 

akintan-caRteR 

Arin Akintan-Carter landed in our arms on July 

4th, 2009 weighing in at 7lbs 13oz. His moms, 

Jean Carter and Omo Akintan are madly in 

love with him. He has been wrapped in the love 

of his adoring grandparents, aunts, uncles and 

cousins since he arrived. Great thanks to all our 

friends, Rachel & the DPT class of Fall 2007, 

Dr. Dixon, and to Christie, Esther & Sarilyn at 

the Midwives Clinic. Our cup runneth over! 

17

Pride & Joy 

ava FRances maRtin 

Sarah Cressman and Annette Martin joyfully 

announce the arrival of their daughter Ava 

Frances Martin on May 6, 2010, weighing 

8lb9oz and measuring 21 inches long. Proud 

grandparents Nan and Doug Cressman, Ernie 

and Edith Martin, welcome Ava along with 

many aunties and uncles. Special thanks to 

midwives Bridget Lynch, Fariba Shodjaie, and 

Kristen Dennis for their excellent care, as well as 

to our wonderful doula Sasha Padron. We love 

you Ava! You are the light of our lives. 

BenJamin kohL hoWaRD 

Stephan and Mario Howard are pleased to 

announce the adoption of Benjamin Kohl 

Howard - we are lucky to have Benji join his 

biological Sister Mari-Sol to complete our family 

of four... 


caetano aLeJanDRo FéLix 

goLDBeRg FLoRes 

Caetano came into our world on November 3, 

2009, born in his bedroom. We are in love and 

so grateful for this family! Proud, over-the-moon 

parents are Jennifer Goldberg and Margarita 

(Alex) Flores. Loving brother Jacinto welcomes 

and loves you. Also thrilled are papa Apolinar; 

bubie Judi and zaydie Mel; abuela Ana Maria 

of Mexico; great grandmother bubie Rose; 

auntie Jo and cousin Cameron; auntie Heather, 

uncle Patrick and cousin Owen of Chicago; 

Tia Yolanda, prima Viridiana and tio Carlos of 

Mexico. Forever grateful to our midwives Bridget 

and Fariba. 

chLoé BéatRice PaPiLLon 

Our beautiful, first grandchild, born 

September 7, 2009. She inspires us with 

her curiosity, charms us with her smiles, and 

brings joy to our lives! Gran Anna (Travers) 

and Baba Bev (Lepischak). 

18

Pride & Joy 

cLéo tynDaLe coLLins 

On sunny November 18, 2009 morning, Cléo 

Tyndale Collins was born healthy and at home to 

Jo Reynolds and Shannon Collins. We welcome 

him into our community and thank our friends 

and family for all of the love and support they 

have provided us since his birth. 

DecLan oLiveR 

James LaWson 

Sarah Thompson and Lynn Lawson are proud 

to announce the birth of their son Declan 

who was born on September 15, 2009. He is 

lovingly welcomed by family and friends and 

somehow manages to defy realistic expectations 

by getting cuter every day. Sarah and Lynn send 

a big thanks to their DPT group for its ongoing 

camaraderie and support. 

DRiDyn 


We are happy to announce the birth of Dridyn 

on Nov. 14, 2009. We are super excited he’s here 

and can’t wait to watch him grow. 

Faye iDa 

Shelley Albert, Cindy Grief and their son Seth 

are thrilled to announce the birth of their 

daughter, Faye Ida, on Nov. 2, 2009. 

19

Pride & Joy 

FReDeRick RoBeRt smith 

Leeum and Evan Smith are proud to announce 

the birth of their son, Frederick Robert Smith 

on March 31st, 2010 at 11:38PM. Weighing 

8lbs, 9oz he is the newest sibling for older sisters 

Daya and Nora. Special thanks to their midwife 

Marlene Segada and the staff at St. Michaels 

Hospital for making the long home turned 

hospital birth positive and special. Much love to 

Romham Gallacher for sleeping on the hospital 

floor and providing support and to Tanya 

Gulliver for Nora-sitting. 

gavin PumP 

Gavin Pump was born on August 14, 2009 to 

proud Moms Addi and Sonya. 

Jackson BRoDie 

Jackson Brodie weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 

ounces on November 1, 2009, much to the 


delight of Michele Chai and Cindy Weeds, his 

doting mummies. He’s handsome, loves his 

thumb and thinks 4 a.m. is an acceptable time 

to start the day. 

JaiDev Ryan BaneRJee PeRsaD 

A force to be reckoned with hit city streets on 

January 18, 2010. Jaidev Ryan Banerjee Persad-- 

aka Baby Jai-- is a feisty character and adorable 

little fellow, and parents Sheila Banerjee and 

Ishwar Persad are completely smitten. 

20

Pride & Joy 

JiLLian maRgaRet 

Dixon-Jenkins 

Karen and Alison are thrilled to announce 

the arrival of their daughter, Jillian Margaret 

Dixon-Jenkins, born August 6, 2009. Jillian has 

brought so much joy and happiness to her moms, 

grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

LaRk taves chaBot 

Rebecka Sheffield and Jessie Chabot are very 

excited to announce the birth of their baby girl, 

Lark Taves Chabot. She was born on Christmas 

Day, 2009 at Toronto East General Hospital, 

weighing 8 pounds 13 ounces. She is well loved 

by all of her aunties and cousins from the Dykes 

Planning Tykes Fall 2007 group. 

LauRen soPhia 

tRemain-caLhoun 


We are pleased to announce the birth of a little 

sister for Ethan. She arrived August 2, 2009. 

8 lbs, 7. 

Liam RiLey scott-PetRyna 

Proud mommies Anne and Mel Scott-Petryna 

welcomed with love their son, Liam Riley, on 

June 20, 2009. The past year has been exciting, 

fun and caught on film. 

21

Pride & Joy 

Luna~tai g’aLa 

It is our honor to introduce our Half Moon 

Goddess, Luna~Tai. Her radiant eyes, soul 

and smile captured our entire beings since her 

birth on November 23, 2009. Her presence has 

brought goodness and light into our universe. 

We share her light with all of our friends and 

family. Luna~Tai, Lucy & Carolina. 

maDeLine moRgan 

kLayman-hoLmes 

Elizabeth, Wendy and big sister Maeve welcomed 

Maddie into the world on June 20, 2009. She 

weighed 7 lbs, 13 oz - but has quickly tripled 

that weight in one short year. We are all thrilled, 

and tired, but our family is truly complete. 


matiLDa Rae Lachica-smith 

Our wee-girl, Matilda Rae Lachica-Smith arrived 

on Tuesday June 22 @ 6:13 pm, weighing in at 

6 lbs, 15 oz. We had a natural birth and very 

smooth and safe home delivery...thanks to our 

awesome midwives. We are completely smitten 

and thrilled! Anne-Marie & Joy. 

nathanieL BenJamin 

kai heBDon 

Nathaniel Benjamin Kai Hebdon was born at 

home on April 18, 2009 to Sheri Hebdon and 

Katarina Maatta-Hebdon. Over a year later, we 

can honestly say that every single thing in our 

lives is better now that we have our Nate. 

22

Pride & Joy 

nevyn BeveRLey FReeman 

Carys Camani, Tamara Freeman and big sister 

Ellis Freeman are thrilled to announce the 

birth of Nevyn Beverley Freeman on August 9, 

2009. Nevyn has been a joyous addition to our 

family, providing many smiles and giggles that 

warm our hearts. Many thanks to Dr. Kate 

Greenaway who has helped in our parenting 

journey, and the wonderful nursing staff at 

Guelph General Hospital. 

niah may Rocha 

Julie, Andrea and big brother Emmett are 

pleased to announce the arrival of Niah May 

Rocha on October 19, 2008. Niah is now 

one and a half and keeping her whole family 

extremely busy! Emmett can’t imagine his life 

without her and neither can her two moms! 

noam RamgooLam 


Noam Ramgoolam born on September 24 2009. 

Proud moms Shamie and Tracey and sister Tegan 

have been loving every moment since. 

oWen Jesse BonnaR-mcmiLLan 

Owen Jesse Bonnar-McMillan was born on 

November 1st, 2009 at 3:17am. He joins 

Rhonda, Jessica and Julia to complete our family. 

Rio tReWhitt maRsh 

Kali, Richard, Ian, and Avril are excited to 

announce the birth of their daughter Rio, who 

was born at home on March 21, 2010. We would 

like to give our thanks to our midwife Marlene 

Sagada and to our family and friends for their 

love and support. Rio is now chillin’ with her 

Mommies and Daddies. 

23

Pride & Joy 

RoBeRt Joshua (Josh) 

siLcox-chiLDs 

Thomas, Jeffery and big brother Parker are happy 

to announce the arrival of the newest member 

of the family. Robert Joshua Silcox-Childs, 

born Sept. 20, 2009. Daddy & Papa and all the 

extended family and friends are over the moon 

with the arrival of little Josh. A special thank you 

to Ferdinand Herrera, Chris Veldhoven and all 

the alumni from Daddy & Papa 2B at the 519. 

sage aLBany anne 

Proudly, excitedly, joyfully announcing the 

arrival of my first granddaugher, Sage Albany 

Anne on May 30th. With Sage are my three 

grandsons, Sage’s brother Mason and cousins 

Samuel and Henry Jack. – Carole Baker 

(samueL) eLi aBRaham 


March 3, 2010 - born to Jess - loved by L - 

embraced by community. Eli’s sends love to 

some of his special people including; Nana, 

Walter, Jasmine, Grandpa, Rachel, Jason, Don 

and Franklin. He also sends a huge thank you to 

fantastic midwives Nicole and Nadia. 

stanLey saFRan BeRgman 

j wallace and S. Bear Bergman are overwhelmed 

with joy to welcome our son Stanley Safran 

Bergman. Stanley arrived on January 21st, 

alert, curious and full of marvellous little 

noises. Stanley is named in honour of two of his 

great-grandfathers. Stanley’s extended family, 

including his: first time grandparents Carlyn and 

Michael Bergman and David and Diane Wallace, 

Tante Hanne, Uncles Malcolm, Turner, and 

Jeff, his Fairy Godsmother, Big Pup, Spunkle, 

Sparkle, GrandSpunkle and GrandSparkle, 

Aunts Bronwen and Lisa, Aunties Marcie and 

Erin and two great grandmothers, join us in 

welcoming him to the world! 

24

Pride & Joy 

WiLLiam eDWaRD 

soon-Peng Lou Launt 

Trish Launt and Allison Lou were blessed with an 

amazing little boy, William Edward Soon-Peng Lou 

Launt, on July 31, 2009. Will’s smiles have won the 

hearts of family, friends and strangers alike. 

xavieR aLéJanDRo chase 

LaBeLLe~stackhouse 

Appreciation to Pam Sloan for her inspired design and layout work. 


SEVEN years and THREE Daddies and Papas 2B 

classes later (Member of the FIRST Daddies & Papas 

2B class in Spring 2003, then again for the fourth 

session, then again for the seventh...) Ian is finally a 

dad. And Luke is a papa. It was definitely worth the 

wait as we ended up with “the perfect kid for us! We 

are THREE very lucky and grateful guys. 

Queer ParenTInG 

ProGraMs 

25

Pride & Joy 

Looking for more information on the articles in 

this newsletter, including details about LGBTQ 

Parenting Support Groups, Courses, Resources, 

Research, and Advocacy Projects? 

Visit 

www.lgbtqparentingconnection.ca 

Meeting times and locations for LGBTQ 

parenting support groups, LGBTQ family 

planning courses, and special events 

(including Queer Family Mixers, Picnics, 

Discussion Groups, and Pride festivities) 

The latest information 

on advocacy and social 

justice initiatives related 

to LGBTQ families 

Updates on on-going LGBTQ parenting 

and family research projects 

(including calls for participation) 


LGBTQ parenting resources, including 

the Queer Parenting Info Brochure 

Series, The Family Tree Poster and the 

Fabulous Father’s Poster 

Photo galleries of past 

LGBTQ parenting events 

Information on educational workshops, trainings 

and lectures on LGBTQ parenting issues, 

including training resources if you are interested 

in making your agency or organization more 

accessible and welcoming to LGBTQ families 

The LGBTQ Parenting Connection is a partnership between the LGBTQ Parenting Network 

(Sherbourne Health Centre) and Queer Parenting Programs (The 519 Community Centre) 

and other Canadian agencies, organizations, and programs whose primary focus is 

supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) 

parents, their children, and their communities. 

For more information, to post events, or to become a 

member of the LGBTQ Parenting Connection, contact 

parentingnetwork@sherbourne.on.ca 

EXTRA! EXTRA! 

The LGBTQ Parenting Network’s 

eNewsletter has all the news you need! 

Looking for up-to-date information about 

upcoming and on-going LGBTQ family 

events and research? 

Sign up on the home page of the Connection 

website and receive bimonthly email updates 

with the Parenting Network’s eNewsletter! 

26

I (really do) My lGBTQ FaMIly! - Aletta

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