Rainbow Families

Rainbow Families supports, educates and connects LGBTQ+ parents, families and people thinking about becoming parents in the Washington, DC area. The organization grew out of 1970s and 1980s parenting groups in the District and has been building community for LGBTQ+ families ever since.

Maybe Baby, a five-session virtual course that dates to 1982, helps prospective LGBTQ+ parents weigh adoption, assisted reproductive technology, foster care, finances and legal questions. Facilitated peer support groups include Pre-Conception, Expecting & New Parent, Non Gestational Parent, Single Parent by Choice, Divorced & Separated, and Grief & Loss, all held virtually and open to members at no charge. Queer Parents of Color Connections (QPOCX) offers meet-ups for parents and prospective parents of color, and the Resource Directory lists affirming doctors, lawyers, agencies and schools.

Families meet in person at playdates in neighborhood parks and at signature events: a Great Wolf Lodge getaway, the Capital Pride Parade, a Labor Day family camping weekend at YMCA Camp Tockwogh, the Hillwood Estate family picnic, and a fall outing to Cox Farms. The Annual Conference & Family Gathering brings keynote speakers, workshops for current and prospective parents, and KidsCamp, and each year presents its Hero of the Year award.

Families can join as members, prospective parents can register for the next Maybe Baby series, and volunteers can host a playdate or help at events.