GREAT mission, GREAT team! the CLOZTALK team is honored to call this org a partner!!
CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder
Family Equality is an amazing organization that is making a difference in the lives of lgbtq families all across the country. I support them because of the great grassroots advocacy work they're doing for lgbtq families!
Coming from a family that has openly welcomed a gay uncle and then his same sex husband to the family, I find it hard to believe people still fight against it. I would never want to imagine my life without my Uncle Jim and Uncle John. They didn’t want anything other then to have what every other American wants and deserves. It’s been a pleasure to support Family Equality in their endeavors to help others achieve what my uncles did. Love you Jim and John.
What an incredible organization that has done so much for so many LGBTQ families. This organization helps build awareness and community for those who choose to have a family and may not have the resources to do so.
Great staff and such a great resource for those of us in the LGBT community looking to start a family. There are some good organizations doing this work locally, but Family Equality nationalizes it and brings it to a new level. Have felt for awhile that we need to get ourselves together to fix the patchwork of laws which make it that much harder to start and maintain a family. Glad to have an advocate out there.
I'm grateful for Family Equality Council both as a queer parent of two young kids and as a LGBTQ+-business owner and advocate, advocating for more LGBTQ+ representation in children's books. From my parent perspective, Family Equality is the leading organization supporting queer families that I've come across. Whether that's hosting an annual and super-fun gathering (Family Week) of LGBTQ+ families or advocating for us in national and state legislatures, they are there for us on all fronts. I also am a small business owner of a business called OurShelves that sells LGBTQ+ and other diverse kids books through book boxes. Our first goal is to connect what can be really hard-to-find high-quality and age-appropriate kids' books featuring LGBTQ+ (and other traditionally under-represented) kids and families to the many families, schools and others seeking them. Our second goal is an advocacy goal -- to advocate to publishers for more of these books, in part by proving the significant (though largely untapped audience) for such books through our growing buying power. Family Equality Council understands how important representation is and has been a partner in both parts of our mission -- in helping to connect more of these books to our and allied families and schools, and also in advocating for the many more of these books still needed. Finally, Family Equality truly has the kindest, most thoughtful and fun staff members of any organization I've encountered. Their positive energy is contagious and inspiring.
As a Lesbian mom, my family and I have benefited directly from the educational resources, support and programming provided by Family Equality. My direct experiences with Family Equality have made me a very happy donor. I can highly recommend Family Equality as a client and dedicated donor.
Family Equality is a first-class organization that offers the unique and vital services LGBTQ+ families need from educational resources and programs on the variety of ways we can start families and the support we and our children need to ensure inclusion and acceptance in classrooms and in the communities where we live. I began as a client of their services at Family Week in Provincetown. It proved to be a positive and uplifting experience for our family. Our daughter called what she learned and the connections she made there, life changing and the best thing we did for her. Our family has grown but I am a donor for life. I highly recommend Family Equality as a donor and a client. I know firsthand the difference their work makes in the LGBTQ+ community.
The work to ensure equality is never over for the LGBTQ+ community. Even hard-earned rights must be continually safeguarded as opponents find new ways to push back on progress. That's why Family Equality is such an important organization, with LGBTQ+ families needing a reliable resource and advocate to support them in their community, wherever that may be across the country.
Family Equality's services for LGBTQ family's and those who want to form families range from excellent education and to vigorous advocacy at both the State and Federal level. A dedicated and passionate team advocating for us and providing and connecting us with resources.
Family Equality is doing outstanding work to advance legal and lived equity for LGBTQ families and communities. Their advocacy has informed public policy across the nation and helped countless LGBTQ families. Family Equality has always treated me and other volunteers with kindness and compassion. I am inspired by Family Equality's vision and determination to create a world free of discrimination, where LGBTQ families live in communities respect, protect, and value them.
Friendly staff who put the interest of the children and families they work with. They are passionate and will always make sure the families are heard especially during these difficult times.
Our families are incredibly important, regardless of how we form or expand them, and nobody should experience discrimination while building, protecting, or providing for their family. Thank goodness Family Equality exists to fight for LGBTQ+ families and their rights. Their work is exemplary and so very vital.
I’m thrilled to support Family Equality. They’re mission is perfectly aligned with my value system. It is wonderful that this organization is doing so much for the under served.
I have been so grateful to have been part of a foster care policy coalition led by Family Equality Council. Their expertise has been invaluable to my work at the state level pressing for public policy that affirms that every child, including LGBTQ youth, deserves a family. One of the most important aspects of Family Equality Council's work is that they lift up the voices of Black and brown LGBTQ young people who are most impacted by policies but are not usually consulted about their expertise on their own lives. Effectively dealing with systemic oppression is key to lived equality, and Family Equality Council plays an important role in the collective liberation of our families.
I am so grateful for the work of Family Equality, namely their policy advocacy work and support for LGBTQ+ families at all stages, from dreaming about building a family through parenting. The staff and volunteers are excellent.
Family Equality is doing wonderful work to help LGBTQ people become parents. The work they do in advocacy, education, facilitation and the relationships they have developed are integral in helping those who want to have children. And they are helping children who would otherwise not have families find foster or adoptive parents. They are a much needed organization.
Family Equality works tirelessly to support queer families and those wishing to start one through the programs and resources they provide to individuals wanting to bring children into the world and in their advocacy work! Such a valuable resource for our LGBTQ+ community.
Family Equality works tirelessly on behalf of non-traditional families and has done so successfully for many years. With the recent Supreme Court appointment, the work of Family Equality will be more important than ever. That is in part why I recently donated. The organization is well run and well organized around its central mission, and I hope that the new Executive Director will that it to an even higher level of advocacy and success.
I have received so much support and resources for my family. This organization strives to provide a full menu of LGBTQ family connections, professional engagement and support. The website is especially helpful for anyone looking to build a family or support for existing LGBTQ families. I look forward to seeing what 2021 brings with this organization.
What a great organization! Thank you for all you do to advance legal and lived equality for the LGBTQ community
I love FE!! The children I nanny for full-time absolutely LOVE the drag story time. They look forward to the books and interaction.We LOVE Family Equality!!
Family Equality is leading the charge to protect and expand rights for LGBTQ families. They've been a leader in this space for decades. While many other LGBTQ organizations also work on issues related to families, this is Family Equality's central focus — it's critical to have an organization whose primary aim is to protect and expand these rights.
Since my husband and I adopted our son from the foster system, Family Equality has been a critically important source of information, policy advocacy tools, community building, and opportunities for us to share our family story with others. Our experience adopting an older child with special needs often left us feeling isolated and uncertain, which was compounded by the fact that many systems of support available are not trained or prepared for the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ parents. Family Equality connected us to a community of parents with similar experiences and helped us find a way to use our experiences as a tool to advocate for families like ours.
Today, we are extremely concerned that our son, who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, will grow up in a country with fewer human rights than what we had previously fought so hard to achieve. But, Family Equality gives us hope. It represents us in Washington, DC and provides frequent opportunities for us to advocate for our human rights using online tools that are accessible. Family Equality empowers us to remember that we are part of a gloriously diverse community fighting together for a better future for our children.
I have been exposed to Family Equality for close to 20 years now. One of the things that has been most impressive is the amount of visible work the organization achieves on a limited budget. There are no inflated salaries at this organization - the staff are there because they have a genuine calling into Family Equality's mission - to promote both legal and lived equality for LGBT families, and those who wish to form them. The organization consistently attracts top notch talent.
Family Equality is a crucial partner in our work advocating for children and families. Their steadfast leadership has helped to elevate the needs of LGBTQ parents and children and to make sure they always remain a priority. No other organization is able to bring together the wide array of advocates from all of the fields that touch LGBTQ families' lives. Family Equality is indispensable.
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Family Equality is an extraordinary partner for us as we work to advocate for children in the system. Not only do they do excellent work advocating for LGBTQ families, but they help to lead all other organizations in the community to do this work together. Whenever we need advice or expertise about the needs of LGBTQ youth, Family Equality is the first place we call. Countless lives are better because of the leadership and wisdom of Family Equality. I'm so glad we have them.
They work hard on behalf of families like mine and provide resources for my local LGBTQ parent group.
I am an intern with Family Equality and working with FE has been one of the most rewarding experiences. The best part about FE is that they truly live up to their name in that everyone feels like family. Being surrounded by such motivated people who genuinely work for equity and equality in such an important part of the human experience is beyond inspiring. These are real family-oriented people who are helping people achieve their dreams of having or creating a family. The stories Family Equality shares and policy work it does for the progression of rights for LGBTQ/2S and religious/ethnic minority youth and adults is incredibly honorable.
Family Equality is an amazing organization with some of the most respected LGTBQ leaders on staff. They fight every day in Washington, D.C., and around the U.S. to keep discrimination at bay, and to encourage LGTBQ individuals to dream and not be afraid to become and stay a family. Love is love, every child deserves a family, and sexual orientation and gender identity should not be factors in deciding if a person is a good parent. I am so proud of Family Equality, especially their federal and state policy teams.
Family Equality does incredibly impactful work on behalf of LGBTQ foster youth and prospective adoptive and foster parents, and are well known in the halls of Congress. Equality California works closely with Family Equality on one of Federal priority bills -- Every Child Deserves A Family, and they do incredible work in states all over the country.
An excellent organization that in addition to all else they do, also provides much-needed coordination and assistance to local LGBTQ-led family groups.. Thank you Family Equality!
Too often, child welfare reform looks at "the system" or agency capacity - not those directly impacted.
Family Equality keeps the focus on ensuring the best outcomes for families and youth. By lifting up the experiences of LGBTQ+ family members and foster alumni, Family Equality builds community and ensures that those most effected are driving the conversation.
It's an honor to work with them as a partner organization and to continually learn from members of their network. I can't recommend Family Equality more!
My foster son and I were able to experience great bonding times and long lasting memories with the help of this great nonprofit. Thank you.
A nonprofit that is working to protect children and support diverse families. Every child deserves a family, and Family Equality is fighting for their rights.
Family Equality is a wonderful organization and my family is better for finding them and attending Family Week 2019! Thank you!
I first became aware of Family Equality over 15 years ago, when I first attended Family Week in Provincetown - one of their signature events. It changed my life and has had a deep and lasting impact on my family. The organization is doing important work and the voices of LGBTQ+ families are heard and amplified by the organization. I'm grateful for the work Family Equality does and for the many ways it is supporting and advocating for my family.
Family Equality Council is an amazing organisation staffed by dedicated, passionate people. They do extraordinary work in making sure that families like ours are represented, that our rights are protected and that there are opportunities for our community to strengthen and grow. We’re truly indebted to them for the fantastic work they do.
As a former employee I believe that donors could invest more wisely in other organizations. There is little transparency and FEC is only rated 2 stars by the independent rating organization Charity Navigator.
There are not many opportunities to take our children to gatherings where they are able to spend time with other families that look similar to theirs. The Family Equality Council embraces the importance of this by providing a social and learning environment with families as the focus. I am both proud and thankful for organizations like this one.
The Family Equality Council is dedicated to promoting inclusion, providing education, and supporting families. I appreciate all the hard work they do to help families and children. They make the world a better place for everyone.
Amanda presented to all our elementary teachers. The title was Creating Safe learning Environments for our LGBTQ Students and Families. I must say rarely do I see overwhelmingly positive responses from 300+ teachers for professional development. Teachers appreciated the facts, the opportunity to talk together, to share perspectives, and to consider viable next steps they can take when they return to their classrooms. It was fabulous! We are so appreciative.
Family Equlity Council fills a huge need within our country. Their staff is passionate, organized and their work is inspiring.
I have been working with this organization for 18 years. They have been an amazing resource for me and my family. Eighteen years ago, when my first daughter was born, there were not a lot of resources for families with gay parents. They supported me and my family with workshops, Family Week, information, books, etc. They helped me identify books to bring into my daughter's school, which were about families like ours. They provide so much information and support and fight for rights and laws to protect our families.
FEC is amazing.
FEC, like many other organizations, provides a service to the community. What makes Family Equality Council so unique is that in the process of providing services to a community, the create a caring and loving community of their own. Leadership, employees and clients benefit in unanticipated ways through the care and love delivered by FEC.
We met this organization three years ago when we attended their annual "Family Week" held in Cape Cod. Since meeting, we have never separated. We continue to participate and support the success of FW as well as stay connected throughout the year. Being proud of this organization, we have ushered introductions to many South Florida families who now feel the same.
Family Equality Council has been doing great work advocating for LGBT families. Our kids are heading into their teens, and we've been so thankful for the ways in which FEC has made their journey through childhood easier. FEC has worked tirelessly to provide leadership at the federal level and has even provided resources for us to effect change at the local level. Their works ensures that our family has not only LEGAL equality, but LIVED equality.
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We are indebted to Family Equality Council for providing our two-dad family so many terrific experiences that have helped our now 9- and 10-year-old kids develop positive understandings of the many ways in which love makes a family. Not only do they provide opportunities for us to build a community with other LGBT-headed families, they also work tirelessly to educate others about the benefits of inclusivity and hetero-normative privilege.
The Family Equality Council is a wonderful organization! They provide a strong foundation for LGBTQ Families to thrive! We have been a part of FEC for over 10 years now and have had great support. They are there to help with navigating the school system which can at times be challenging for LGBTQ Families; FEC offers frequent social events so our kids have opportunities to see Families that look like theirs; they provide many educational seminars and the list goes on.
Family Equality Council has been a beacon in the night for my family. Being able to look out at a packed beach in Provincetown during Family Week and tell my children that all of the families they saw were like ours was life changing. FEC provided representation and visibility to my family during a political time that is attempting to roll back our rights at every turn.
FEC is an excellent advocate and resource for any LGBTQ person who is a parent or is interested in becoming one. They have a well-rounded, dedicated staff committed to advancing equality of all families in all aspects of life and in all corners of society. Their programming for families like ours is both validating and enjoyable--Family Week in particular is a blast. If you haven't heard about FEC before, I highly recommend checking them out!
My family and I think so highly of the staff at Family Equality Council. They have helped us connect with other families like ours; and provided useful information to help us navigate the legal, emotional and social challenges that face LGBTQ families. More specifically, they have helped support and encourage families groups throughout the country, advocated for issues of importance such as parental recognition, marriage equality, non-discrimination issues and much more. In return, we are proud supporters as part of their Protectors Circle, attendees at events, and stay connected with the organization in a number of ways that are valuable to us and our kids. Thank you, Family Equality Council!
Every year our family - two dads, our son, our two rescue dogs and one set of eager grandparents - attend family week. It’s the most wonderful celebration of everything that families are and can be. We look forward to everything FEQ does! They’re simply the best!
We have experienced camaraderie and support, engaged with hundreds of families like ours from around the world, made friends, built community, and helped educate others about LGBTQ families, thanks to the work of this small, but powerful and needed nonprofit. For seven years we have enjoyed Family Equality Council's Family Week in Provincetown and reveled in the empowerment and support they provide.
Family Equality Council provides information, advocacy, and events for families like mine - their work is important to making sure that ALL families receive legal and lived equality, regardless of how they present or who they love. I am continually impressed by the communication, compassion, and courage with which the organization is run. I'm very grateful for Family Equality Council and all the work they do on behalf of families like mine!
I've had nothing but positive experiences in working with FEC.
Whether it was a small gathering or attendance at a pride booth, they've been passionate and thoughtful in all interactions.
It's one of only a handful of non-profits our family chooses to support.
This nonprofit is incredible. Kim Simes is a mentor of mine, has facilitated LGBTQ+ workshops for educators with me, and shares information so I can continue advocating and living my truth.
I can’t say enough about FEC!! They’re tirelessly working to help our families get the support needed and have made such a difference in our lives. One of our favorite events that they have had annually is family week in Provincetown MA. By going to this event, you can clearly see the dedication the staff has to let all families know they’re loved. We know that they will continue to fight for us politically and be there for our family no matter what.
They have helped our family feel supported in so many ways! We are so grateful for their groundbreaking and important work!
I cant say enough about the work of Family Equality Council. I'm a fan because this is the only organization I know that fully supports LGBTQ families and family development. They advocate for us and fight for laws and policies to be created that protect the rights of LGBTQ families across America. They also promote one of the countries only week long LGBTQ family events each year, where our children get to meet other children and see other families that resemble their own. This is one of the most exciting, inspiring and uplifting experiences we have been able to give to our children. I love FEC!!
Family Equality Council is a lifeline for many families in the LGBTQ* community. They provide information, programming and support which is critically important for all families but even more essential for those families situated in more rural communities across the country.
As an ally to those in the the LGTBQ+ community, I want to make sure my financial contributions are being used to affect real change in our policy and culture. FEC works hard to provide support and education to bring about that change.
Our family connects with our community for a full week every year! We love the friends we have made, and the work they do.
The Family Equality Council created an amazing experience for our family this past summer in PTown. We are so grateful for their leadership and support.
This organization does so much to support families like mine in so many different ways. My kids and I have been going to Family Week for nine years connecting with other families like ours from all over the country.
This group is awesome. It is helping small centers like mine be heard and help to spread awareness of issues. They are a bunch of great caring people
Family Equality Council’s programming is so valuable to my family. Giving our kids examples of similar families and social experiences with peers in similar situations is so positive for all of us. My children always identify our time with Family Equality Council as their favorite all year!
Family Equality Council has impacted my family immensely. When we attended Family Week for the first time three years ago, my daughter was so thrilled to see families like hers. It has become an annual tradition and she talks about it all year long!
We are thankful for the political and legal advocacy and resources that Family Equality Council provides. We have attended many of the programs regionally and attended webinars provided. It is the only national organization specifically representing and supporting families like mine.
I am honored to be able to serve families like mine as a Board Member and am passionate about Family Equality's mission. We love Family Equality Council!
Family Equality Council is the nation's preeminent nonprofit organization that protects and defends the rights of LGBTQ families. From Family Week, the largest annual gathering of gay families in the world, to the halls of Congress, where the FEC team continues to work to pursue justice through initiatives like Every Child Deserves a Family Act, the organization is an under sung hero at the forefront of the fight for just and lived equality. Bravo, FEC, and thank you.
The Family Equality Council is dedicated to insuring legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families like mine and to celebrating all families. My Rose & Sam were born via a gestational surrogacy. It was my greatest dream come true, and it could not have happened if the Family EWquality Council did not pave a way forward. Gestational surrogacy was a good solution for me, but it is cost prohibitive for many. Making sure every LGBTQ person gets to realize the dream of parenthood is why I got involved with the FEC. I also admire Stan Sloan, our executive director because he challenges us to do more, and, in turn, this passion will benefit our entire community.
My family has been a part of Family Equality Council for as long as I can remember. As a child I attended Family Week and Families in the Desert every year. It is because of such programs that I have been introduced to some of my closest friends to date. When I was older, I joined the Outspoken Generation, partly because I felt called to speak up about my experience as a transracial adoptee and daughter of two loving fathers, but also as a way to give back to the amazing the work this organization continues to do everyday to protect, fight and bring about equality for our families. For all these reasons, I am giving FEC a truly deserving 5 star rating!
My family and I first experienced the life-changing magic of Family Equality Council events, programming, and resources many years ago on an R Family cruise. Family Equality Council provided programming for parents and kids of all ages to learn and connect on that trip. Many sessions were incredibly moving and every session was a wonderful learning opportunity. We knew right then that we needed to stay connected with Family Equality Council.
We continue to support Family Equality Council by attending events, spreading the word about their important work, donating, volunteering, and everything in between. While our town in Indiana is generally a supportive community, the same can't be said for all of Indiana or for many areas in our country. We rely on the resources and policy work of Family Equality Council to help ensure the fight continues for the lived equality for LGBTQ-headed families in every corner of the US,
I'm incredibly grateful for Family Equality Council. The tireless work by their team has enabled much progress to be made but we have lots more to do. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and I know Family Equality Council will be on the front lines.
Family Equality Council helps families of all kinds and their programming is absolutely needed in today's world. Whether it's getting families together for vacation, doing charity work together, releasing podcasts that benefit everyone, or simply being there to answer questions, Family Equality Council is invaluable to families like mine and yours, regardless of how modern they are :)
The Family Equality Council has served as an invaluable resource for our family. Because of their work, LGTBQ families are able to form our families with critical legal protections, have the opportunity to meet other LGBTQ families, and find resources as we raise our children. The FEC continues to fight for full equality for all families, ensuring that LGBTQ parents and their kids can live full, meaningful lives without fear of discrimination and retribution.
When I descend the steps of our family home each day, I am reminded of our first Family Week visit to P-Town more than 10 years ago. Friends we traveled with had made us a keep-sake photo collage box filled with memories from the week and it hangs on our staircase wall. In one photo, our eldest child, now 13 years old, is wearing rainbow-colored beads, a unicorn painted on her cheek. She is surrounded by other giggling children, all sporting the same beads. She belongs. She is part of something. Since that time, we’ve added two more children and we continue to attend FEC events and our children get it that they are going to be some place special every time.