Pride and Joy Families Groups provide social and educational activities and a sense of community to LGBT parents and their children.

Pride and Joy Family Events

March

Wednesday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 pm – Reception for CNY LGBT Pride Families Exhibit, Syracuse. Exhibit of portraits by Ellen Blalock of LGBT-led families runs from March 24 to April 6, Schine Student Center, Panasci Lounge, Syracuse University. For more information, contact Amit Taneja, LGBT Resource Center, SU, 315-443-3092.

Saturday, March 29, 7-8:30 pm – Considering Parenthood Workshop, Binghamton. Please join us at this forum for LGBT people to discuss concerns, exchange ideas and meet other people facing the unique joys and challenges of creating and raising an LGBT-led family. Sponsored by Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project and Unitarian Universalist Gay and Lesbian Concerns Committee. UU Binghamton Congregation, 183 Riverside Drive. For more information, contact Karen Armstrong or 607.724.4308, option 3.

April

Saturday, April 5, 8 pm- Parent's Night Out, Binghamton. Please join us at the new Tranquil Bar and Bistro, 36 Pine Street, owned by Pride and Joy dads Sean Massey and Loren Couch ( www.tranquilbarbistro.com ). By popular demand, there will be no agenda for the evening, just good company, food and drink. This event will be well worth driving from out of town for!

Sunday, April 6, 4-6 pm- Potluck and Crafts, Syracuse. Please join us at the home of Beth and Kathleen. Please bring a dish to pass and some fun things to use in a craft. For details and to RSVP, contact 607.724.4308, option 3.

Friday, April 25, 11:30 am-1:30 pm - Lunch and Learn: Same-Sex Parenting-The Issues Explained, Holiday Inn, Kingston . Free lunch and presentation by Ari Istar Lev for members of LGBT community and their health and human services providers. Sponsored by Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Registration required at www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org or contact Loren at LCouch @PrideAndJoyFamilies.org or 607.724.4308, option 3.  

Saturday, April 26, 3-5 pm- Toy/Game/Book Exchange, Rochester. Please join us at the GAGV Youth Center. Bring your old and get some new! For details and to RSVP contact 607.724.4308, option 3.

Sunday, April 27, 4-6:30 PM – Legal Protections for LGBT Families, Ithaca. LGBT parents and an attorney will talk about how to protect our families with second parent adoption and other measures. Come join the discussion! First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora Street. Separate supervised activity for children. Light communal dinner provided. Reservations are required . Contact Karen at Karjarmstrong@aol.com or 607.724.4308, option 3.

Tuesday, April 29 - Equality and Justice Day, Albany . Pride and Joy Families from all over the State are invited to attend this year's annual lobby day for LGBT rights. We are working with Empire State Pride Agenda to make this E&J Day truly child- and family-friendly. Last year more than 1100 LGBT New Yorkers and straight allies attended, including dozens of LGBT-led families. Please register yourself and your kids today at www.prideagenda.org.

May

Friday, May 2, 11:30 am-1:30 pm - Lunch and Learn: Same-Sex Parenting-The Issues Explained, Hilton Garden Inn, Ithaca . Free lunch and presentation by Ari Istar Lev for members of LGBT community and their health and human services providers. Sponsored by Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Registration required at www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org or contact Loren at LCouch @PrideAndJoyFamilies.org or 607.724.4308, option 3.

Friday, May 16, 11:30 am-1:30 pm - Lunch and Learn: Same-Sex Parenting-The Issues Explained, Radisson Hotel, Utica . Free lunch and presentation by Ari Istar Lev for members of LGBT community and their health and human services providers. Sponsored by Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Registration required at www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org or contact Loren at LCouch @PrideAndJoyFamilies.org or 607.724.4308, option 3.

 July

July 26 til August 2 - Family Week, Provincetown , MA . Pride and Joy Families from all over upstate New York  will gather during this national gathering of LGBT families. If you're thinking of joining us this year, it's definitely not too early to make your reservations for accommodations at Family Week!  Visit www.familyequality.org.