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• DSRF: Divorced & Separated Rainbow Families

  • Start
    07/07/2025
  •  
  • End
    12/01/2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  

  Divorced & Separated Support Group

   The Divorced & Separated Support Group is a peer-based, informal support group for divorced or separated LGBTQ+ parents going through divorce or separation (or who already are divorced).    Non-parents are welcome to participate, with the understanding that discussions will include topics of parenthood & divorce/separation.

  This is an excellent  opportunity to come together as a community to discuss and share resources, laugh and learn about commonalities and differences, as well as dig deeper into the experiences that unite us.    Meetings held virtually.

  Available to participants nationally.  Rainbow Families membership not required
  first Monday of every month, 8:00pm ET
  
  NO COST for Rainbow FamilIes members | $40 for non-members 

  
  

  
  

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• Maybe Baby - Fall 2025

  • Start
    09/14/2025
  •  
  • End
    10/26/2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    17

  Maybe Baby - Fall 2025

  Sept 14  |  Sept 21  |  Oct 5  |   Oct 19  |  Oct 26
  Session times vary, but all end by 4:30 PM

  
  

  Registration is now closed. We will have another Maybe Baby series in early 2026.

  Zoom links are sent in advance. Registration is limited to 26 individuals/families and is open until Friday, September 12th. There will be subsequent sessions in 2026 if you are not able to join this Fall.

  Rainbow Families' Maybe Baby was designed over 30 years ago for prospective LGBTQ+ parents (single, married or partnered, all gender identities, all relationship status') thinking about parenthood and interested in learning more about the many options and considerations in building a family. The safety and value of programs like this, created BY our community FOR our community, are tremendous.

  We cover a broad range of topics including readiness for parenthood, overview of creating family through adoption, assisted reproduction and foster care/older child, financial and legal issues, building a support network, interracial and intercultural families, the joys and challenges of being an LGBTQ+ headed family and more. The class is designed to provide a balance of active discussion and sharing, as well as to gain practical information that helps set the foundation for moving forward. Like all Rainbow Families programs, this is a safe and welcoming space.

  No Price Increase -  5 years running

  Financial Assistance: If the registration fee presents a hardship for you, please email our Executive Director, Ted Lewis at ted@rainbowfamilies.org.

  Cancellation note: Cancellations received 15 or more days prior to the course start will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received 14 days or less are not eligible for refund.  NOTE: We reserve the right to reschedule/postpone should minimum participation numbers not be met.

  Agenda:

  • Sunday, September 14th 12:00 - 4:30 PM: Getting Started, Introductions, and Readiness for Parenthood
  • Sunday, September 21st 12:00 - 4:00PM: Adoption 101 with Meshan Lehmann at Paths for Families; Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 101 with Dr. Carter Owen at CCRMIVF
  • Sunday, October 5th 1:00 - 4:30 PM: Supporting & Creating Family with Older Children with Kathleen Stines at DC Child & Family Services Agency; Creating Family Across Race & Culture with Dr. Azeb Kinder at the Kinder Group
  • Sunday, October 19th 12:00 - 4:00 PM: Financial Considerations - Expense, Debt, & Protection with Fran Toler & Associates at the Toler Financial Group; Legal Considerations for Prospective LGBTQ+ Parents with Catelyn Slattery at Modern Family Formation Law Offices
  • Sunday, October 26th 12:00 - 4:00 PM: Parent Panel with Current LGBTQ+ Parents; Wrap Up and Closing

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• Annual Halloween Party

  • When
    10/25/2025
  •  
    3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Norwood School (8821 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817)
  • Spaces left
    43

  Register

  Annual Halloween Party

  Saturday, October 25th 3:30-5:30 PM
  Norwood School (8821 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817)

  
  Join Rainbow Families for our Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, October 25th 3:30 - 5:30 PM hosted by Norwood School in Bethesda, MD. Costumes encouraged and every family member who wears a costume gets a raffle ticket for fabulous prizes!

  This year's event features fun activities for all-ages:

  • Free pizza and drinks (gluten free and vegan options)
  • Dance party area with a DJ and great music
  • Craft station featuring coloring books, design your own mask, and color your own pumpkin
  • Temporary Tattoos, fun games, and prizes!

  This event is free for Rainbow Families' members and $5 for each non-member adult, all children under 18 are free. Not yet a member? Click here to learn more about Rainbow Families' membership.

  
  

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• Cox Farms 2025 - Tickets Available on Cox Site Still!

  • When
    11/02/2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Annual Fall Festival at Cox Farm 2025

  Rainbow Families discount tickets have all sold out, HOWEVER, $25 tickets are still available from Cox Farms. Use this link to purchase your tickets and you can still join us at the pavilion on Saturday, November 2nd! - https://coxfarmsva.com/fall-festival/fall-festival-tickets/

  A super fun Rainbow Families tradition for all ages, our Rainbow Families Annual Outing at Cox Farm's Fall Fest includes Giant Slides, Hayrides, Farm Animals & their Babies, Cornundrum Cornfield Adventure, Imaginature Trail, Rope Swings, Kiddie Zone, Goat Village, Straw Tunnels, Themed Play Areas, Live Entertainment, Local Apples & Fresh Cider and more.

  

  First time? Learn more about the Cox Farms Fall Festival attractions HERE.  There is truly so much to enjoy here.

  *Food options HERE (hint:  the donuts are so good)

  
  

  
  

  IMPORTANT:   If registration costs are prohibitive for your family,  email us in confidence.

   Advance reservations are required through this event page. Cox Farms and their team are incredible allies and very supportive of Rainbow Families.  Thank you!  See you there!

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• Sisters BINGO (Tickets Available with Link in Description)

  • When
    11/06/2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Red Bear Brewing - 209 M St. NE, Washington, DC 20002

  Sisters BINGO (Fundraiser for Rainbow Families)

  Click here for Tickets (no registration needed)
  (Tickets also available at the door starting at 6PM)

  Description: Join the DC Chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for a fun night supporting a great cause. This month, BINGO proceeds will go to Rainbow Families! (This is a great date night opportunity and a great way to support Rainbow Families while having a lot of fun!)

  The Details:
  - $20 for one book of six games (six cards PER game)
  - $10 per extra book
  - Must be 18 to play

  Food and beverages are (of course) available for purchase before, during, and after BINGO!

  
  

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• Lizzie the Musical (Tickets Available) at the Keegan Theatre

  • When
    11/09/2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC 20036

  Rainbow Families at Lizzie The Musical!

  Sunday, November 9th 2:30 - 6:30 PM

  Click here to get tickets and use the code "RAINBOWFAM" at checkout.
  Click here to reserve your spot for childcare and use the code "rainbow5" at checkout.
  Our friends at Keegan Theatre have arranged special discounts just for Rainbow Families! Use the links and codes above for tickets and to reserve your spot for childcare at this special matinee.
  
  LIZZIE THE MUSICALOctober 31 - November 30, 2025Get ready to rock… and bleed! On October 31, Keegan unleashes LIZZIE, the ferocious punk-rock musical that ripsthe lid off the legend of Lizzie Borden. Fueled by rage, retribution, and a blistering all-female rock score, LIZZIE reimagines the infamous 1892 axe murder in a show that’s equal parts gothic horror, riot grrrl rebellion, and rock concert. LIZZIE is a visceral, unapologetic thrill ride. Blood will spill. Guitars will wail. Justice will scream.
  
  While age appropriateness is up to each individual family some content warnings include: violence/murder, reference to parental abuse and sexual abuse, strong emotional themes.
  
  Matinee Child Care
  November 9th, 2:30-6:30pm
  Capacity is limited, and children must be registered in advance. Show tickets sold separately.
  Parents are invited to join us for the matinee performance and register their Pre-K to 5th grade children for onsite child care with Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA Teaching Artists during the show! Registration is only $20 with sibling discounts for multiple children. This special initiative is all part of Keegan’s mission to make our live theater experiences as accessible as possible.
  
  Tickets to show: https://keegantheatre.com/portfolio/lizzie-the-musical/
  Please use the code "RAINBOWFAM" at checkout!
  
  Tickets to childcare: https://www.hisawyer.com/keegan-play-rah-ka/schedules/activity-set/1590618

  Please use the code "rainbow5" at checkout!

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• Community Strengths and Resilience as QTBIPOC Parents (QPOCX Event)

  • When
    11/12/2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual via Zoom

  Register

  Community Strengths and Resilience as QTBIPOC Parents
  (a QPOCX virtual event)

  Description - The purpose of this workshop is to provide an intersectional community learning space for LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) parents. Facilitators from The Lavender Lab (a research lab at UMD focused on understanding forces influencing the mental health and well-being of QTBIPOC communities) will discuss research findings on community strengths and resilience of QTBIPOC community members across time. Then, there will be a community-led discussion regarding QTBIPOC-affirming strategies to help resist oppressive systems and support QTBIPOC parents' resilience, mental health, well-being, and flourishing.

  Date - Wednesday, November 12th 7:00 - 8:30 PM
  Location - Virtual via Zoom (link will be sent out the day of the event)
  Cost - Free for everyone.

  This event is a collaboration between QPOCX: Rainbow Families' Parents of Color Connection group and the Lavender Lab (a research lab at the University of Maryland).

  
  

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• My Home is Someone’s Workplace: Hiring for Your Rainbow Family

  • When
    11/13/2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Via Zoom

  Register

  My Home is Someone's Workplace: Hiring for Your Rainbow Family

  
  

  Description: This free virtual workshop will cover the history of domestic work, share everything you need to know about hiring someone to support your queer family, and help ensure that you know your responsibilities to create a relationship is mutually beneficial, especially as we’re facing unique circumstances with the federalization of Washington, DC. Topics covered will include requirements for employing someone in your home, where and how to hire household support, ensuring your home is a safe, healthy, and secure workplace for immigrant workers, and tips for retention and communication.

  Date: Thursday, November 13th
  Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  Cost: Free for all!

  
  

  This event is a collaboration between Rainbow Families and Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network.

  

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• Rainbow Families Town Hall: Conversations about Our Families, Our Schools, & Our Mental Health

  • When
    11/15/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:45 PM
  • Location
    HRC Headquarters, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036
  • Spaces left
    76

  Register

  Rainbow Families Town Hall: Conversations about Our Families, Our Schools, & Our Mental Health

  Date: Saturday, November 15th
  Time: 9:00 AM - 12:45 PM
  Location: Headquarters of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036

  Sponsored by Toler Financial Group

  
  

  Please note Registration Closes at 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 13th.

  Rainbow Families' Town Hall will feature:

  • A special presentation from HRC's Welcoming Schools Program on school advocacy for LGBTQ+ parents.
  • A presentation on protecting your marriage and your family from LGBTQ+ legal expert, Summer Abel of Offit Kurman.
  • A panel of experts discussing mental health and resiliency during difficult times.
  • Light breakfast and snacks provided at event. Please note, this event will not provide lunch.

  Cost: Rainbow Families Members - $20 per person | Non-Members $25 per person
  If cost is a barrier for you attending the event, please reach out confidentially to Ted Lewis (ted@rainbowfamilies.org) for a fee waiver. 

  Childcare: Childcare will be provided by Jovie of DC, a trusted local childcare service. Their vetted, background-checked sitters will ensure children are safe and cared for while parents participate in the Town Hall. Learn more about Jovie at http://jovie.com/washingtondc. Childcare is limited to children ages 5-12 years old and is $10 per child. Space is very limited. If childcare cost is a barrier for you attending the event, please reach out confidentially to Ted Lewis (ted@rainbowfamilies.org) for a fee waiver. 

  Accessibility: HRC's Headquarters is accessible for those using a wheelchair or other devices to aid in mobility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available to interpret remarks from keynote speakers and panelists. No animals allowed, but service animals are welcome. If you need additional accommodations, please contact Ted Lewis (ted@rainbowfamilies.org) and we will do our best to meet your needs. 

  Parking Information: Limited street parking available near the building. Closest paid parking is Colonial Parking Garages at 1730 Rhode Island Ave. and at 1701 Rhode Island Ave. (Please note, neither HRC nor Rainbow Families is affiliated with Colonial Parking)

  Metro Access: Red Line - Farragut North (8 minute walk). Orange/Blue/Silver Lines - Farragut West (9 minute walk).

  Speaker Bios:

  Cheryl Greene serves as the Senior Director for School-Based Programs and Partnerships at the Human Rights Campaign. She has spent her career in education and is passionate about providing educators the tools to create LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive classrooms where all children can thrive. Cheryl leads the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators. The program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. Under her leadership, the educators trained have impacted over 10.5 million students. Cheryl has also done extensive research on bullying prevention strategies and has led district and statewide initiatives to address bias-based bullying and worked to establish a bullying prevention certificate program at the collegiate level. 

  HRC's Welcoming Schools initiative is the nation's premier professional development program providing training and resources to K-12 educators to embrace all families, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students. Learn more at https://welcomingschools.org/.

  
  

  Summer Abel is an attorney in Offit Kurman's Family Law Practice Group, based in the firm's Bethesda, Maryland office. She offers a comprehensive range of family law services, including divorce and separation agreements, child custody and support, spousal support, property division, and pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Summer is dedicated to advocating vigorously for her clients in court while addressing the complexities of family law matters to achieve effective resolutions. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Summer is passionate about supporting families of all types. She recognizes the unique challenges each family faces and leverages her personal and professional experiences to guide clients through these challenges, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her approach to family law emphasizes empathy and practicality, ensuring that each client receives solutions tailored to their specific needs and goals. Learn more about Summer's work at https://www.offitkurman.com/summer-abel.

  With over 16 years in the mental health field, SC Nealy is a queer, gender fluid psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and group practice owner in Arlington, VA. SC operates a team of all gay and trans-identifying therapists with the focus of bringing clinicians with lived experiences to the queer community and their families. They also work locally and nationally to advocate for queer rights, accessible mental health care, and bringing more awareness to the needs of the queer community. Their upcoming book published by Bloomsbury, Healing Sacred Wounds, focuses on giving folx a guide map for processing and exploring their experiences in religious or spiritual trauma. As a therapist, they specialize in religious trauma, female and genderfluid-identifying couples counseling, mixed orientation marriages, complex-PTSD, interpersonal process group therapy, and non-faith based premarital counseling. In their personal life, they are a parent to two children, happily partnered, and write romance novels for fun. Learn more at https://lgbtcounselingdmv.com/.

  Tara Sullivan is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park, under the mentorship of Dr. Ethan Mereish. Prior to beginning their doctoral program, Tara graduated from Stanford University, and worked for several years assisting with research studies aimed at exploring how intersectional experiences of discrimination influence mental health outcomes and substance use patterns for queer and transgender Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) communities. As a researcher, educator, and mental health advocate, Tara is broadly interested in understanding how converging systems of oppression (i.e. racism, heterosexism, and cissexism) can contribute to health disparities for QTBIPOC communities. Simultaneously, they are interested in using strengths-based research approaches to explore protective factors at the structural, community, and individual levels, which can inform culturally-affirming and scalable interventions to bolster the flourishing and resilience of QTBIPOC communities. Their lived experiences as a Black, multiracial, queer, and genderqueer person inform their desire to work in tandem with community-based partners to support the mental health, radical healing, and liberation of all QTBIPOC community members.

  More to be announced soon.

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• Expecting & New Parent Support Group (Winter 2026)

  • Start
    01/04/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/01/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    23

  Register

  Expecting & New Parent Support Group

  
  

  Description: Rainbow Families is delighted to continue our Support Group for LGBTQ+ people who are currently expecting a child (via adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, or foster), or new to parenthood with a child under 9 months.  This program is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in reproductive health.  These are peer-based groups and not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.

   

  Dates: Sunday, January 4th | Sunday, February 1st | Sunday, March 1st 

  Time: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM 

  Cost: $40 per family for Rainbow Families non-members | Free for Rainbow Families members

  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org). 

  
  

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the start of the first session
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately. 
  • Please see Rainbow Families full Terms & Conditions located on our website https://rainbowfamilies.org/rules-and-terms/. 

  
  Facilitated by:  Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington

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• Pre-Conception Support Group (Winter 2026)

  • Start
    01/04/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/01/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  Pre-Conception Support Group

  
  

  Description: Rainbow Families is pleased to continue our Support Group for LGBTQ+ people seriously considering or going through Assisted Reproductive Technology as part of their family planning journey.

  This program is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in reproductive health.  These are peer-based groups and not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.

  Dates: Sunday, January 4th | Sunday, February 1st | Sunday, March 1st
  Time: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
  Cost: $40 per family for Rainbow Families non-members | Free for Rainbow Families members
  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org). 

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the start of the first session
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately. 
  • Please see Rainbow Families full Terms & Conditions located on our website https://rainbowfamilies.org/rules-and-terms/. 

  
  

  
  Facilitated by:  Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington

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• Single Parent by Choice Support Group (Q1 2026)

  • Start
    01/08/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/05/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    20

  Register

  

  Single Parent by Choice Support Group

  Description: This support group is for current LGBTQ+ single parents and for prospective parents planning to become single parents by choice. We discuss the joys, concerns, questions, even frustrations of being an LGBTQ+ parent, PLUS doing so without a partner. Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety to interact. This group is facilitated by a licensed therapist from Lavender Therapy.
  
  

  Dates: Thursday, January 8th | Thursday, February 5th | Thursday, March 5th
  Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET
  Cost: $40 per person for non-members | Free for Rainbow Families Members
  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org.) 

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • This support group is a closed group, so registration for this three-series of sessions closes at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, January 7th.
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide.
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the start of the first session.
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately. 
  • Please see Rainbow Families' full Terms & Conditions located on our website (https://rainbowfamilies.org/rules-and-terms/).

  

  https://www.lavendertherapydc.com/

  
  

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• Grief & Loss Support Group (Winter 2026)

  • Start
    01/27/2026
  •  
  • End
    03/31/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  Grief & Loss Support Group

  Description: Grief and loss as it relates to family building is often not discussed, or worse, dismissed. This is particularly true for the LGBTQ+ community. This group, facilitated by a deacon in The Episcopal Church who is also a community member, helps explore paths to healing, coping, and more. Sessions are held monthly in 3-month cycles. Like all Rainbow Families support groups, this is a safe and welcoming space.

  Dates: Tuesday, January 27th | Tuesday, February 24th | Tuesday, March 31st
  Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Eastern
  Cost: $40 per family for non-members | Free for Rainbow Families' members.
  (If you are not a Rainbow Families' member and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please reach out to us at info@rainbowfamilies.org). 

  Additional Terms & Conditions:

  • Registration closes at 5:00 PM ET on Monday, January 26, 2025
  • All sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide.
  • Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy, and safety for participants.
  • No refunds will be issued after the first session.
  • Dates and times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.
  • Please see Rainbow Families' full Terms & Conditions located on our website https://rainbowfamilies.org/events/.

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