COVID-19 note
Since the first week of March 2020, when concerns for community safety became evident to us, we've shifted all our work online for this phase of the pandemic. Over a year later, we continue look forward to phasing in-person programming back in as soon as it's safe for us to offer in-person events. Meanwhile, the descriptions below offer a portrait of the work we do.
Please check our calendar for the many online offerings we have in store, and continue do your part to curb the spread of COVID so we can get back to building community old school style, in person!
Our Family Coalition hosts a number of opportunities for LGBTQ+ families to build community through social activities, celebrations, and festivals. These events facilitate the development of social support networks for LGBTQ+ parents and their kids, and allow the children to see their families reflected in others around them. No one is turned away for lack of funds; we always provide refreshments. We want your family to join Our Family for these exciting events filled with festivity and fun!
LGBTQ Family Night at the YMCA
This is one of our signature events, running annually for over twenty years. Scores and scores of LGBTQ+ families laugh, splash and play with their children at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA – the very first YMCA in the nation to offer an event for our families. The event offers swimming for all ages, bouncing in the kindergym, raffles, reading times, activities for older children (Wii, fußball), basketball courts, arts and crafts, and a big communal pizza dinner.
Oakland Pride
Celebrate family and community at the Oakland Pride Parade by marching with our contingent, the lead contingent in the parade since it began. Then explore and relax in the Family and Children's Garden inside the festival grounds, with multiple bouncey houses for toddlers and big kids, art activities, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, amusement park rides, story time, and more.
San Francisco Pride
For nearly twenty years we've offered a haven for families at the very center of Pride. We host a radiant contingent, hundreds of families strong, which is always among the first 50 contingents in the 200-300 contingent parade. At the end of the parade, the Family Garden – in Civic Center at the playground – features exciting art activities, face painting, and all the fun you have at a playground. You'll also find water and healthy snacks, plus abundant opportunities to connect with other LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers while your children play, and learn about community resources and opportunities. Open only to adults with kids and kids with adults.
Preschool Fair
This yearly fair has offered LGBTQ+ and allied families in the San Francisco community an opportunity to connect with preschool teachers and directors who are committed to offering diverse and welcoming classrooms for young children. Parents and caregivers are able to speak with educators and discover inclusive preschools in their neighborhoods.
Here's a list of past LGBTQ+ Inclusive Preschool Fair participants.
Night Out
Night Out brings together over 500 attendees, including elected officials, corporate sponsors, community partners and major donors, many of whom are LGBT people with children. The event offers all a fabulous Night Out and an opportunity to celebrate our families. It is a truly an inspirational evening not to be missed, where we reflect on our past successes and prepare for an exciting future. OFC's Night Out has established itself as the only event exclusively supporting LGBT families with children in the Bay Area.
Halloween
Every fall, Our Family Coalition creates a creepy-fun Halloween experience with activities and crafts, capped by an ever-popular costume fashion show. Bring outgrown Halloween costumes to share, and a potluck dish if you can. Family members of all ages will have a great time.
Check the calendar for updates and specifics!