Dear OFC Parents,
I am at a loss for words at the state of the world. I look at my children, seeing the hope in their eyes while wondering when they’ll lose their innocence, because in this world — it is inevitable.
I hope our new world is full of the rainbows and unicorns we all envision, but I also know the queer world has been centered on whiteness rather than on the Black and POC voices who founded our movement.
We couple this intersection with parenting, another “oh so white” world, as described by
@latinxparenting
.
We’re bombarded with parenting advice, blogs and resources from white, heteronormative presumptions. I look at these sources of information struggling to find my own voice as a first generation, queer, woman of color and parent to small children.
It is this lived experience of systemic inequality that I bring with me to the role of Family Programs Director. I want to hear and uplift the voices of LGBTQ+ Black and POC parents. I want us to see ourselves represented in the work I have control over at Our Family Coalition.
In a few weeks we have SF Pride, and we’re committed to bring FREE content to all LGBTQ+ parents representing our lived vision of diversity. A full
75% of our content will be hosted by Black or POC Queer and Trans staff, consultants, and artists
. This was a commitment I made to our team pre-protest, when we first discussed a virtual pride celebration. This was a commitment because I want my own kids to understand that their race and ethnicity have a place in the queer community as well.
Please look for our upcoming
OFC Virtual Pride
schedule. We are putting the finishing touches on our lineup and are excited to see true allyship displayed June 26th - 28th.
The weekend will focus on social justice information and resources, self-care, and parent/child interactive opportunities
. If you have anything to add or can contribute to our space please feel free to reach out to me directly at
cheryl@ourfamily.org
.
In the meantime, don’t forget about our regularly scheduled programs (all listed below) for the next two weeks leading up to Virtual Pride weekend. We have a
regular QTPOC parent group
and are re-starting our
Trans / GNC parent support group
on June 13th at 12:30pm.
In community,
Cheryl
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When:
Friday, June 12, 1-2pm
What:
secure Zoom telehealth phone & video conference
Join staff member
Karlon Zee
and guest facilitator
Audrey Lin Kadoya
for an open discussion with parents and families regarding being Chinese and LGBTQ+ Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It is challenging enough for the Asian American community to come in community to combat xenophobia, sinophobia AND anti-blackness and racism. Let’s discuss how our identities are affecting us and our loved ones through these times of uncertainty.
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When:
Saturday, June 20, 1-2:30pm
What:
secure Zoom telehealth phone & video conference
Stress and emotions can run high between (co)parents, spouses, and caretakers, while sheltering in place amidst COVID19. Skilled facilitator and committed ally
Nancy Kahn
reprises her last month's workshop, especially designed to support the communication and connection between adult members of households who might be struggling while facing greater unknowns in tighter quarters.
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When:
Friday, June 26, 1-2:30pm
What:
secure Zoom telehealth phone & video conference
Another in the workshop series
Being An LGBTRQ+ Asian American Amidst COVID-19
. Join facilitator
John Jimenez
for an informative discussion, Understanding Coronavirus to Dismantle Xenophobia. Let’s talk about how systems of power, privilege and oppression continue to affect marginalized communities; and let's learn how we can practice allyship, solidarity, and self-care throughout these times of uncertainty.
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Upcoming Virtual Groups
[PLEASE RSVP FOR SECURE ZOOM TELEHEALTH CONFERENCE PHONE & VIDEO ACCESS]
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Where
:
secure Zoom telehealth phone/video conference
When:
Mondays, June 15 & 22, 8-9pm
An open drop-in conversation for all LGBTQ+ parents & caregivers. What's on your mind tonight?
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Where
:
secure Zoom telehealth phone/video conference
When:
Saturday, June 13, 12:30-2pm
A facilitated support group for trans and gender nonconforming parents, co-parents, prospective parents, and our partners.
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Where
:
secure Zoom telehealth phone/video conference
When:
Wednesday, June 17, 6-8pm
Professionally and peer facilitated support, by and for queer & trans parents of color.
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Where
:
secure Zoom telehealth phone/video conference
When:
Wednesday, June 17, 6-8pm
Help determine the present and the future of OFC's family support programming.
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Live Story Times on Facebook & Instagram
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Good Morning Story Time
When:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:00am.
OFC staff read favorite picture books, live!
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Bedtime Stories
When:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
OFC staff read favorite picture books, live!
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ABOUT OUR VIRTUAL EVENTS & GROUPS:
- To participate, you must pre-register for the event; once you have, we'll reply with the event's phone # & video URL access.
- Our online workshops and group chats are held via secure Zoom telehealth phone and video conferences.
- All virtual events (not live broadcast on Facebook or Instagram) are are HIPAA-compliant and preserve the security and confidentiality of all our participants to the highest standards possible.
- For more info, please email cheryl@ourfamily.org, or visit us at ourfamily.org.
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Your hosts:
OFC's tireless & dedicated Programs Team members
~ with storytime book reading support on occasion from our OFC colleagues ~
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Cheryl Lala
[she/her/hers]
Family Programs Director
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Drew Lakhardt
[they/them/theirs]
Programs Coordinator
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Karlon Zee
[he/him/his]
Programs Coordinator
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Aliyah Bowman
[she/her+they/them]
Programs & Data Specialist
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Ayana Carasio
[she/her+they/them]
Public Allies Fellow
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Rose Crespo
[they/them/theirs]
Family Programs Associate
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Carla Peña
[she/her+they/them]
Education Manager
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Rick Oculto
[he/him/his]
Education Director
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Shari D'Aguilar
[she/her/hers]
Administrative Coordinator
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Pauly Pagenhart
[they/them/theirs]
Communications Director
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Sam Ames
[they/them]
Interim Executive Director
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Rumi Peña
[she/her+they/them]
Team Mascot
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• We acknowledge and give our respect the Ramaytush Ohlone people, on whose traditional and unceded land
we are grateful to live and work, and on which all San Francisco events take place.
• We strive to make our office and programs accessible to all families. Please let us know when you register what accommodations will help your family participate to the fullest. More
Accessibility Statements here
.
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Programming brought to you thanks to generous support from these funding partners:
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