This week-end marks the 20th anniversary of Provincetown’s “Family Week,” a celebration for LGBT families everywhere. Designed for parents, kids, and people interested in starting a family, the annual event caters to all age groups. Sponsored by the Family Equality Council, the festivities are slated to continue until August 1st. 2015 has been a monumental year for the LGBT community. With same-sex marriage recently passed in America this past June, gay families are more than ready to celebrate this year. “Family Week” offers a little something for everybody.
Authors and Books
Are you into kids’ books that portray gay families? The books “Heather Has Two Mommies” by Leslea Newman and “Love’s Promises” by Martha Ertoman will be featured, as both authors will be attending the event. From 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., one can meet Ertoman at the Parent Cafes, these cafes scheduled every day during “Family Week.” Newman will be available to answer questions on Tuesday at the Parents Cafés. Writer Kathy Whitman will also speak about her book, entitled “A No-Yell Approach to Tempering Child Behavior.” For couples interested on how to maintain a long and happy marriage, author Mark Solomon will discuss his book “Winning Marriage.”
Family Gatherings
Other family centered festivities are slated to take place, including “Family Field Day” that starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Single Parents, Mid-West, and New England Family Gatherings are offered in the afternoon and evening hours. Families from the Boston and New York City areas can also meet up for some conversation. Festival attenders who need some time to cool off and mingle with people from different cultures can opt for the “Multiracial Ice cream Social” scheduled to take place on Sunday. Mom and Dads can get a chance to relax with “Family Friendly Happy Hours” in the Sage Lounge and Harbor Lounge and Inn. Other happy hour gatherings include families of color and families with special needs.
Kids and Teenagers
Kidpaloozas offers a host of more exciting activities for kids and teenagers. Kidpaloozas are featured every day, the event including some type of theatrical event for children to enjoy, such as the Peregrine Theater Ensemble and Whale Games. A beach night is also provided for teenagers who want to have some fun and meet other peers.
Parent Lunch Chats
Mid-week highlights some new and original gatherings during the lunch hour. Parents who want to engage in more intimate and open discussions can attend Parent Lunch Chats, such as “Sex and Sexuality” and “Step and Bonus Parenting.” Additional lunch chats focus on “Donor Insemination & Surrogacy” “Parent’s Coming Out.”
Youth Lunch Chats
Youth 12 years old and up can also attend lunch chats. Topics of interest include “White Allies” and “People of Color.” Youth can also participate in “2nd Generation: LGBTQ Identified and Questioning” and “Straight Identification” discussions. Adoption and foster children issues are also scheduled for a lunch chat.
Transgender Festivities
Many activities for transgendered individuals have been scheduled for “Family Week.” Youth can join in on a lunch chat entitled “Trans & Gender-Queer Parents.” Author Annika Miller will talk about her book “Trans Family Experience: Challengers of Authenticity.” A special feature will include a Photo Exhibition and Reception entitled “Families With Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming Gender-Queer Members.”
Hope you get to attend this fun event. Happy LGBT Family Week!
