An upcoming Binghamton-based weekend conference is an incredible educational and social opportunity for LGBT parents and their children.
The 2016 Pride and Joy Families Weekend Conference will bring together diverse families and individuals for a weekend of relaxing, learning and sharing. The 3-day event will be held March 18-20 at the Holiday Inn-Downtown Binghamton, NY.
Vince Sgambati, Syracuse-based writer, retired teacher and gay dad, will present the keynote address on, “LGBTQ Families In Transition.”
Adult workshops will be held on legal issues, schools, adoption and foster care, kids with special needs, transgender experience, LGBT mental health, gay dads, talking to teens about sex, and navigating change. Childcare and Camp Highlight programs will be provided for children three years and older. A teen panel will give youth with LGBTQ parents a chance to speak out. Inter-generational activities, a Family Dance Party and a Resource/Vendor Fair will also be provided.
A Pre-Conference Professional Training Day, “Providing Welcoming and Affirming Care for Transgender People,” will be offered Friday, March 18th.
These programs are cosponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, Binghamton University Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program, Camp Highlight, Family Equality Council, Gay Parent Magazine and others.
The Weekend Conference is intended to meet the needs of families with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer adult members. Families with and without children are welcome. Allies and single LGBTQ adults are welcome. Extended family members are also welcome-grandparents, aunts, and uncles will all have a wonderful time!
Register by Friday, Feb. 19. Early bird Jan. 31. Ample scholarship funds available. For more information, go to www.prideandjoyfamilies.org or Facebook at LGBTFamCon.