“Same-Sex Parenting:  The Issues Explained”

Workshops to be held in Kingston , Ithaca and Utica , NY

 “Same-Sex Parenting:  The Issues Explained,” is the title of a series of lunch and learn workshops designed to inform educators and health and human service providers as well as interested community members about the unique issues faced by lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) families.  Attendees will hear a one-hour presentation by author and educator Ari (Arlene) Istar Lev, LCSW, CASAC.  Lunch will be provided.  There is no cost for the program but registration is required. 

The workshops will be held from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm on these dates and in these locations: Kingston, NY at the Holiday Inn on Friday, April 25 (note new date); in Ithaca, NY at the Hilton Garden Inn, on Friday, May 2; and in Utica, NY at the Radisson Hotel on Friday, May 16.

According to  Lev, “Within the last decade, LGBT parenting possibilities have expanded in previously unimaginable ways, establishing our families as a viable and visible presence and challenging more traditional definitions of family.”  Between 4 and 14 million children are being raised by LGBT parents in the US .  Lev also said, “The decision to become a parent is rarely a simple one and the experience of parenting as an LGBT person poses special challenges.” 

Attendees will meet our expert presenter and gain answers to questions such as:  What are the unique issues faced by same-sex parents?  What issues are the same for them and heterosexuals?  What issues are faced by the children of same-sex parents?  How can I ensure that my professional practice/office/school/agency is sensitive to and inclusive of LGBT-led families?  Participants will also learn more about Pride and Joy Families, a network of LGBT parents and their kids in upstate New York .

Ari Istar Lev, LCSW, CASAC, is a social worker, family therapist, and educator specializing in working with LGBT families in Albany , NY . She is the author of The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide (2004) and Transgender Emergence (2004), and maintains three national columns on LGBT parenting issues.  She may be reached at Choices Counseling and Consulting, 321 Washington Avenue , Albany , NY , 12206 , 518.463.9152, or www.choicesconsulting.com.

The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project sponsors the Lunch and Learn series.  The Project is dedicated to helping LGBT people in upstate New York build and strengthen their families.  It was founded in 2000 with a grant from the New York State Health Department to the Ferre Institute, Inc.  The Project offers educational programs and trainings, information and referral services, a directory of welcoming health and human service providers, and support groups for LGBT parents and prospective parents.  Our network of Pride and Joy Families provides social and educational activities and a sense of community to LGBT parents and their children.