From a press release
CHICAGO, May 2, 2014 — As a part of its ongoing commitment to create an inclusive environment for families of all compositions, Chicago Children's Museum ( CCM ), Family Equality Council and the Center on Halsted will host International Family Equality Day at the museum on May 4, 2014. In addition, children ages 15 and under will receive free admission all day for Free First Sunday.
Now in its third year, International Family Equality Day is an annual celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) parenting and family community. Family Equality Council's event at CCM aims to help increase visibility of this community and provide a welcoming and accepting place for all children to play. According to Family Equality Council, six million children across the country have LGBT parents, and many of these families are discriminated against. Every day of the year, CCM welcomes these families.
"We are pleased to join Family Equality Council for International Family Equality Day and show our support for all of Chicago's diverse families," said CCM President and CEO Jennifer Farrington. "This day celebrates children with LGBT parents and caregivers and allows them to discover how many families are just like theirs."
"Chicago Children's Museum is such a joyful location for International Family Equality Day," said Family Equality Council Midwest Regional Manager Kim Simes. "We're really looking forward to seeing all the families having fun together and celebrating their uniqueness."
"Partnering with Chicago Children's Museum and Family Equality Council is integral to meeting our mission of serving the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community," said Lynnea Karlic, Director of Community and Cultural Programs at Center on Halsted. "LGBTQ families are some of our largest growing community members, and we aim to provide them with a broad array of programs and services."
CCM launched its All Families Matter initiative in 2009 to ensure that the museum serves the needs of LGBT-led families and gender non-conforming children. CCM celebrates diversity and believes every family has the right to play, learn and celebrate life without fear, discomfort or shame.
Programs for the day include:
1-2 pm: Family Meet & Greet
LGBTQ family meet and greet in the Bonnie Fine Workshop room. Meet other families, Center on Halsted and Chicago Children's Museum staff to learn about LGBTQ family programs in Chicago. Refreshments and snacks will be provided by Center on Halsted.
2-3pm: Family Flags
Celebrate your family by creating a beautiful banner. Decide on your personal symbols and colors—you can even add your name or a motto. Hang your flag to show your pride and highlight your connections.
3:30-4pm: Family Dance Party
A dance party for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of music, learn popular dance moves and boogie with us to celebrate your family.
About Chicago Children's Museum
The mission of Chicago Children's Museum is to improve children's lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. CCM is the only cultural institution in the city dedicated to young children and the important adults in their lives. Playful experiences, including more than 15 interactive exhibits, tap into how kids learn, and engage them at an early age so they develop a lifelong love of learning. Located at Navy Pier, Chicago's number one attraction at 700 E. Grand Ave., CCM is the final stop for CTA buses #29, #65, #66 and #124. For more information, please visitwww.ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org .
About Family Equality Council
Family Equality Council connects, supports, and represents the three million parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer in this country and their six million children. We are changing attitudes and policies to ensure that all families are respected, loved, and celebrated—including families with parents who are LGBTQ. We are a community of parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren that reaches across this country. For over 30 years we have raised our children and raised our voices toward fairness for all families.
About the Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted is the largest, most comprehensive community center in the Midwest dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer ( LGBTQ ) people in Chicagoland. The vision of the organization is a thriving LGBTQ community living powerfully in supportive, inclusive environments. For more information, visitwww.centeronhalsted.org
