Engage & Support: Past, Present, and Future

Hello again friends and families looking to grow!

We had such a wonderful time in New York at the Original GLBT Expo. It was wonderful to meet so many families looking to grow as well as generally getting to touch base with LGBTQ family in NYC. The weekend was truly inspiring, a whirlwind of past, present, and future, reminding one that the power of gathering community can never be underestimated!

Community Gatherings of the Past: Along with the fun times spent at the Javits Center I got to traipse around the city for a couple days and couldn’t resist knocking a few things off my LGBTQ history nerd bucket list. Top of that list was of course to visit The Stonewall Inn. The 1969 Stonewall Riots that occurred here, during which the New York community decided they had had enough of discriminatory raids on gay establishments, is often noted as the birthplace of Gay Liberation. Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow me to stop by for Happy Hour, but there was something a little bit magical about emerging from the subway tunnel at Christopher St. on a crisp New York morning, walking past George Segal’s Gay Liberation Monument, and staring across the street at the tiny tavern which holds such a huge part of our LGBTQ history.

I was sorry to miss a visit to the Leslie Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. Again, for any LGBTQ history buffs you might want to check out the exhibit of the first solo art show of Jonathan Ned Katz, known for his contributions as an LGBTQ historian. Let me know if you get to check it out!

Community Gatherings of the Present: The GLBT Expo itself was a testament to community gathering, and was as diverse as the community itself. It was an amazing experience to get to talk to Pride committees from all the different areas, those with products/services geared towards the LGBTQ community, health advocacy organizations, and other family building services. I’d also be remiss to not give special kudos to the fabulous Cheer NY, an adult volunteer cheer leading squad that helps fund raise for local charities.

Cheer NY who’s motto is to “Cheer Loud, Cheer Proud,” in order to “Reach new heights with love, spirit, strength, and understanding,” seemed to be the epitome of the present gathering. Finding a distinct (and cheerful) way to use their voice in unexpected ways for the good of others and themselves. I can’t say enough lovely things about this “Cheer-ity” (Cheerleaders for Charity). Thanks for stopping by the Fertility Source Companies booth we’re definitely fans!

Community Gatherings of the Future: As for the future, there’s nothing quite like working in a field where you get to play a small part in the creation and growth of families. Meeting future parents is always a gift and all the wonderful parents we met bodes well for the amazing and inspiring ways we’ll create to gather in the future!

Thanks for being such a gracious host NYC!

Until next time…

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Traci Medeiros-Bagan

Third Party Reproduction LGBT Coordinator

Traci’s academic background is in Gender Studies with a focus in Sexuality and her career background is in counseling and diversity education. She believes in the strength of families of choice and is passionate about offering affirming options for egg donation and/or surrogacy to the LGBT community looking to grow their families.