2022 LGBTQ+ Pathways to Parenthood Conference & Resource Fair Program

For those of you may be joining a Family Pride Network (FPN) event for the first time, a very special welcome to you! Family Pride Network began in 2014 through the Pride Leadership program at United Way of Central Ohio. In 2015, FPN became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was led by a voluntary board of directors, and held the first variation of Pathways to Parenthood. Though the organization’s founding mission was to support LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents, in August 2018, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to further expand its mission to be inclusive of all families with children that identify as LGBTQ+. There was a recognized need in the community to create a safe space for these families to connect, and an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ youth to engage with our families in a way that is uplifting and inspiring.

On October 16th 2022 Stonewall presents the first in-person, since  merging with Family Pride Network, Pathways to Parenthood symposium—this year’s theme is: “Securing Your Family.”

The Supreme Court’s recent decision, overturning Roe v. Wade and almost half a century of precedent sent shock waves through our nation. And, the  language in the opinion signaling looming threats to other freedoms related to our ability to find, form, and sustain our families has raised considerable fears within the LGBTQ+ community. In the wake of Dobbs, we have heard from many LGBTQ+ families asking how they can not only create their families but how they may also protect and care for their families. And, we’ve heard from allies asking what they can do to make a difference. Pathways to Parenthood brings together LGBTQ+ people looking to enhance their families through parenthood—via several options like adoption, assisted reproduction, fostering to adopt, and others. And this year we’ll add information about how our families can ensure their families stay whole no matter the legal challenge. We’ll spend time with Columbus lawyer Hanna Botkin-Dotty exploring how we should ensure our families are not only bonded but also legally secure.

In addition to the Pathways symposium, you can look for social events and educational programs throughout the year. If you haven’t already, we hope that you’ll consider supporting our work by becoming a sustaining donor member. Visit stonewallcolumbus. org for more information and details! We’re excited to be with you today!

9AM TEA/COFFEE/SELECTION OF CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ITEMS

CONVERSATIONS

9:30AM – 10:15AM

FOSTER PATHWAY

Foster parenting is a way of caring for a child of any age for a range of time, usually because the child has been removed from a prior familial situation deemed unfit. Fostering can, but doesn’t always, lead to permanent adoption.

10:30AM – 11:15AM

SURROGACY/ASSISTED REPRODUCTION PATHWAY (PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM CRYOBIO)

Surrogacy is an arrangement, often supported by a legal agreement, whereby a person agrees to deliv ery/labor for another person or people, who will become the child’s parent after birth.

In Vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process by which an egg is fertilized outside of the body and trans ferred to the uterus where the child is carried to term. Artificial insemination is the process by which a donor’s sperm is inserted directly into a person’s uterus.

11:30AM – 12:15PM

ADOPTION PATHWAY (PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM CHOICE NETWORK)

Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that per son’s biological or legal parent(s)/guardian(s).

12:30PM – 1:15PM

LEGALLY SECURING YOUR FAMILY

In the LGBTQ+ community our families are often created by bond first and not bold. In the wake of Dobbs, we have heard from many LGBTQ+ families asking how they can not only create their families but how they may also protect and care for their families. We’ll spend time with Columbus lawyer Hanna Botkin-Dotty exploring how we should ensure our families are not only bonded but also legally secure.

GUEST SPEAKER

HANNA BOTKIN-DOTY

Attorney, educator, and LGBTQ+ advocate; entrepreneur and sole proprietor of Hannah’s Legal Help in Columbus, Ohio. Hanna spent their career working in the Domestic and Juvenile Courts across the state. They now focus work on writing Estate Plans, Dissolutions, Adoptions, LGBTQ Law including Name Changes, Birth Certificate Corrections, and Second Parent Determinations.

MIX & MINGLE

STAFF

STAFF

DENSIL R. PORTEOUS, MBA (HE.THEY) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ZAC BOYER, M.A.ED (THEY.THEM) DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS & MARKETING

KATHY CROWE (SHE.HER.HERS) SR. COORDINATOR, COMMUNICATIONS & CREATIVE SERVICES

JEANNE HEALD (SHE.HER.HERS) DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

SIERRA PRINCE (SHE.HER.HERS) MANAGER, BUSINESS & INFRASTRUCTURE

LEO RODRIGUEZ (HE.THEY) INTERN, EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT & ADVANCEMENT

LASHAYY WILLIAMS (SHE.HER.HERS) [HIV/STI] COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS NAVIGATOR / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

RONALD G. MURRAY (he.him.his) PRESIDENT

MISSY ANDERSON (she.her.hers) VICE-PRESIDENT

JONAH MINOT (he.him.his) SECRETARY

JZ KNOX-ZHANG (she.her.hers) TREASURER

STERLING CLEMMONS (she.they) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIAISON

MEMBERS

TROY ALVARADO (he.him.his)

JEFFREY CARTER (he.him.his)

CAROL MANLEY (she.her.hers)

GERRY RODRIGUEZ (he.him.his)

K TERRY SMITH (they.them)

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

DENSIL R. PORTEOUS, MBA (he.they) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

• MISSION: increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community.

• VISION: An Ohio where ALL of US thrive.

• VALUES: History. Visibility. Inclusion. Connection. Accountability.

Stonewall Union [now known as Stonewall Columbus] was founded in 1981 with the goal of “increasing the visibility and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community.” During the course of Stonewall’s 41-year existence, Columbus and the LGBTQ+ community has changed. The City of Columbus is now the 14th largest city in the country and recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States.

In addition to an evolving array of programs Stonewall produces Lavender Listings, a listing of local products and services from LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and organizations, and Columbus Pride; started in 1981 Pride now welcomes over 700,000 visitors to the Columbus region.

As the community has changed so has Stonewall’s mission and vision–now to “increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community so we see a community where ALL of US thrive.”

As we forge ahead we will…

• always remember our history as we build our future brick by brick;

• be visible, reminding the world that we are strong, vital members of humanity;

• be inclusive, because we know what it means to be left out;

• be connected, linking needs to resources and people to one another;

• stand up for everyone in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, military status, familial status; or disability.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Stonewall aims to be an organization that serves the full spectrum of our LGBTQ+ rainbow, Stonewall is a vital hub for providing access to information and resources that address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Each year, the Stonewall Center welcomes over 8,000 visitors to the facility and provides con nections to services for nearly 25,000 people (walk-in, phone call, email and website), prioritizing programs for the most vulnerable among us. Each month Stonewall offers a number of programs including coming out support, men and women’s support groups, alcohol and drug addiction groups, ballroom dance, counseling, health and fitness programs, book clubs, young professional groups and more. Stonewall is proud to have 500+ volunteers and partner with numerous local organizations. Our strategy will always be to work closely with existing community organizations to identify gaps in services that we can fill and create timely initiatives where Stonewall’s community-wide reach brings added value.

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS!

PRIDE 365–Stonewall Columbus’ work is propelled by a number of corporate partners who generously support our programs. We believe in long-term, win-win partnerships that help our corporate partners reach their goals while contributing to our mission and work. Through their gift of dollars and time these companies demonstrate a strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community here in Central Ohio. Do consider supporting these companies that support our community.

DIAMOND