What is Family Equality Council?:
Family Equality Council is a national organization that advocates for family equality for all loving families, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer parents, guardians and allies through respect and understanding. The Washington D.C.-based organization began in 1979 and believes provisions and ordinances that hurt LGBTQ-headed families also hurt so many others—single parents, blended families, families of color, etc.
LGBT Families at the White House Easter Egg Roll:
Each year, the White House holds an Easter Egg Roll. Families participate in activities such as games and egg decorating. Family Equality Council organizes a group of LGBTQ-headed families to participate in the Egg Roll. Their presence increases awareness of LGBTQ-headed families and allows these families to participate in a nationwide family celebration. In 2006, over 100 families with LGBT parents participated in the White House Egg Roll.
Pres. Obama Affirms LGBT Families:
President Obama was the first presidential candidate to affirm the equal value and importance of LGBT-headed families in an August 2008 letter to Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler. Then Senator Obama stated that we must "do more to support and strengthen LGBT families. Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom."
Family Equality Council on LGBT Families:
Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council talks about LGBT-headed family inclusion: "We might look different and come in different forms but we all share a commitment to our children that transcends our differences." Chrisler continues,
"American families are increasingly diverse and all of us benefit from treating one another with respect and understanding. Our children deserve no less."
