Rainbow Families hosted the third annual Making Rainbow Families Seminar on June 16th. Over 50 LGBTIQ perspective parents attending to hear about the different pathways to becoming a parent.
The day started with couples and family counsellorJacqueline McDiarmid asking the group if they were really ready to be parents, and discussing some of the common issues she sees with families.
Attendees were then able to chose between three talks tailored to the different needs within our community.
Home insemination and IVF which was presented by IVF Australia and Jo Perks. Surrogacy which was presented by Families Through Surrogacy and Rainbow Fertility. Options for trans and gender diverse people presented by Monash IVF.
Joanna Mrakovicic from Barnados spoke about the changes within the fostering and adoption system - which now welcomes LGBTIQ carers.
There were also discussion around finding the right health care professional, followed by Nick Stewart and Tim Nicholls from Dowson Turco Lawyers who gave a very informative talk on the legal issues LGBTIQ parents need to be aware of.
The day finished with a panel of children raised by LGBTIQ parents, and parents from our community representing all of the options available to potential parents - giving attendees an opportunity to ask parents and children about challenges and rewards of parenting as an out and proud LGBITQ person.