In the 1980s, two gay dads began an AOL listserv to enable families to connect while a group of lesbian moms met to share parenting resources. In time, they merged, and today Rainbow Families has over 1,000 members (6,000 connected via email) and is the region’s only nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ families with trusted resources and compassionate services. It offers parenting classes, an Annual LGBTQ+ Family Conference (declared ‘Rainbow Families Day’ by the DC Mayor’s office), and support groups on adoption, new parenting, sober parenting, transgender parenting, and more. There are also opportunities for LGBTQ+ families to connect at picnics, dances, and camp weekends — spaces where children (and parents) can socialize with families like theirs in a safe, positive, celebratory way; no explaining, no "code shifting." Annual membership dues are nominal and waivers are available — because all are welcome.
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