CHICAGO, IL, April 27, 2017— Chicago Children's Museum ( CCM ) kicks off two months of playful programming dedicated to celebrating Chicago's LGBTQ community with International Family Equality Day ( IFED ) on Sunday, May 7, 2017. As a part of the museum's ongoing commitment to create an inclusive environment for all, LGBTQ families and more will enjoy a day of fun and free admission for children.
Now in its sixth year, International Family Equality Day is an official event of the Family Equality Council that recognizes all family structures while providing visibility and support to LGBTQ families. On this special day and throughout Pride Month, specific family programming is implemented to provide a welcoming and accepting space for all children to play.
"Our abiding commitment has always been to all families. This is a unique opportunity to show our support for all of Chicago's diverse families, and celebrate children with LGBTQ parents and caregivers," said CCM President and CEO Jennifer Farrington. "We take pride in being a museum where all can play, discover and just enjoy being a family."
"Chicago Children's Museum has been a terrific partner for many years," said Family Equality Council Director of Regional Programming Kim Simes. "We are thrilled to once again be hosting an International Family Equality Day event in such an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates all families."
Chicago Children's Museum continually works to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and engages visitors of all backgrounds and perspectives. The museum's LGBTQ Inclusion initiative, created in 2011, has a dedicated committee of staff members working to ensure that CCM furthers its commitment to LGBTQ families.
Programs include:
Rainbow Staircase — All Day to the end of June Help transform the central staircase into a giant rainbow by adding colorful ribbons every time you visit in May and June.
"What Makes a Family?" Chalk wall — All Day to the end of June Write your ideas about family on a huge chalkboard; we're more alike than different!
Hospitality Suite — 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Enjoy snacks, music, LGBTQ family-focused resources and information, and story time for LGBTQ families and allies. All welcome!
Family Storybook Necklaces — 11 am to 2 pm Make and take a storybook necklace representing how you think and feel about family.
Visiting Artist Drop-in Studio: Rick Proper and Leah Ball —12 to 4 pm Come join Chicago artists Rick Proper and Leah Ball in the art studio to learn about their work and make a big collaborative piece together!
About Chicago Children's Museum
The mission of Chicago Children's Museum ( CCM ) is to improve children's lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. CCM is dedicated to young children and the important adults in their lives. Play-filled experiences, including more than 15 interactive exhibits and daily programming, tap into how kids learn, and engage from ages 0-10 to develop the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. CCM aims to deliver at least one-third of its total annual attendance to low-income or underserved community members. In its last fiscal year, CCM hosted more than 412,000 visitors. For more information, please visit www.ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org .
