As a trans and queer parent myself, I know the profound joy of building a family, but also the unique challenges we face. Navigating a system that may not always be affirming, encountering microaggressions, and seeking truly supportive spaces can feel isolating. That's why I'm excited to share Expanding Your 2SLGBTQIA+ Family, a new online support group designed specifically for us by social worker Brett Mason (all pronouns) and sex educator Wyatt Dahl (they/he), a queer couple who adopted their child.

Imagine the yearning to build a family, yet the adoption process feels like an eternity filled with uncertainties. You might encounter potential bias from cis het-centric agencies, uninformed social workers, or birth families, navigate microaggressions questioning your ability to parent, or experience a lack of understanding from the "normative" parenting world. It's precisely why Expanding Your 2SLGBTQIA+ Family exists. Brett and Wyatt want you to know you're not alone.

This supportive online community offers a safe and anti-oppressive space to connect with others who truly understand your unique experiences, anxieties, and joys. Share your journey, find encouragement, and build meaningful connections that transcend the isolation often felt during adoption. Together, you can rewrite the narrative and build a vibrant, supportive village for 2SLGBTQIA+ families to thrive in.

What to expect:

• Warm, anti-oppressive environment: Connect with other 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and parents-to-be in a safe and inclusive space facilitated by a queer couple who adopted their child.
• Expert guidance: Gain valuable insights from Brett and Wyatt, who bring their expertise as therapist and sex educator to address your specific needs.
• Open to all: Whether you're partnered, single, or part of a non-traditional family, this group welcomes you with open arms.
• Flexible and accessible: Online meetings every second Sunday from March 24th to June 2nd, open to participants in Canada and the US. Sliding scale fees are available to ensure accessibility.

Topics covered:

• Navigating a sometimes biased system: Learn strategies for advocating for yourself and your family within a system that may not always be affirming.
• Understanding interracial adoption: Explore the unique challenges and considerations of raising a child of a different race/ethnicity as a 2SLGBTQIA+ parent/couple.
• Addressing adoption trauma: Recognize potential signs of trauma in adopted children, regardless of background, and learn how to support their emotional well-being.
• Creating open and affirming queer families: Discuss different models of open adoption and navigate conversations about your family structure and identity with your child and the birth family.
• Reflecting and building connections: Share your experiences, support others, and build meaningful connections within the community.

Ready to join the group? Visit brettmason.ca/groups and register for the online group starting March 24th. Share this opportunity with other 2SLGBTQIA+ families considering adoption, whether they're just starting the process or facing specific challenges. Lean in and let's build a more supportive and connected future for our 2SLGBTQIA+ families.