LGBT families, prospective LGBT families, and allies will have the opportunity on May 1 to come together to meet each other in a setting that Lambda Legal hopes is relaxed and fun—the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier.
For the past three years, Lambda Legal has organized an event for children to meet other children with LGBT parents and to expand upon pre-existing programs that bring LGBT parents together. And the event, from 1 to 4 p.m. will also offer parents, newly out parents, and prospective parents that chance to learn more about their legal rights.
'We're pretty lucky here in Illinois, and especially in Cook County, when it comes to same-sex adoption and parenting,' said RoiAnn Phillips, the outreach associate for Lambda Legal. 'But we want to be able to serve as resource for parents to make sure they know how to take advantage of this.'
In Illinois, same-sex couples are entitled to sexual-orientation neutral custody, second-parent adoption rights, and have a good record with placement from foster care homes, Phillips said.
In past years, events have been held at restaurants, but this year's event at the Children's Museum represents a sign that gay families are more visible, she said. 'The Children's Museum has been extremely open.'
But Phillips also cautions that for parents that are just coming out, attending the event won't do anything to make their presence obvious.
'We're not handing out big, gay name stickers or anything,' she said.
The Children's Museum of Chicago doesn't view the day as being any kind of political statement, just a confirmation of its basic mission to serve children. 'We welcome any organization that serves as an advocate for children and family,' said Leah Weatherspoon, a spokesperson for the museum.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, 'The prevailing professional opinion is that a parent's sexual orientation has nothing to do with his or her ability to be a good parent.'
Activities scheduled include a lunch briefing with Lambda Legal representatives, story time, an exploration of the children's exhibit about diversity, and a scavenger hunt. Two local LGBT youth groups will serve as guides.
Barry Taylor and his partner of nine years, Marv Pollack, plan to bring their two-year-old daughter to the event.
'It's really neat that the kids have a chance to meet each other,' said Taylor. He and his partner expect another child this summer. 'I'm not going just to be 'look I'm a gay parent,' I'm going to see people and have fun.'
