History
Philadelphia Family Pride (PFP) began in 1993 as an effort by members of a lesbian mothers group who were interested in creating a structure that would address the special needs of children in lesbian and gay families. Members of a group of adoptive parents joined the effort, as did other lesbian and gay parents unconnected with any organization. From its initial, informal meetings, the group grew rapidly. PFP’s first major public event, an educational forum held in the spring of 1994 as part of Philadelphia’s PrideFest celebration, attracted some 70 families.
Previous to PFP forming in Philadelphia, there existed an informal lesbian moms group in Mt. Airy, a Gay Dads group, and CALM, Custody Action for Lesbian Moms.
In July, 1994, PFP became a chapter member of the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI), a 501(c)(3) organization. A dues structure was also established and by 1997 had well over a hundred member families from the greater Philadelphia area.
Philadelphia Family Pride ratified its first bylaws in 1996 and in 2000, PFP received tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization.
PFP collaborates frequently with other organizations, including Family Equality, P-FLAG Philadelphia, Therapy Center of Philadelphia, William Way LGBT Center, COLAGE, and more.
In 2007, PFP created a new branding strategy and unveiled the organization's first logo. A brand new logo, reflective of the More Color, More Pride flag debuted in Philadelphia and the trans flag, was introduced in 2019. Bylaws were updated and ratified in 2007, as well as 2015 and 2017, and major website revisions also occurred in 2008, 2012, and 2019. The organization continues to grew and thrive with an expanding geographic reach and diversity in membership.
Our first Family Matters Conference for LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents was held at Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Policy in 2010 and had over 100 attendees. The following year, in 2011, the 2nd Family Matters Conference was held at Widener University in Chester, PA. The 2012 conference was held at Arcadia University in Elkins Park and included educators. The 2013 Family Matters Conference was hosted by the William Way Center, and the 2014 conference at The Philadelphia School. In 2015, our sixth conference was held at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Starting in 2016, our conference has been held annually at the University of the Sciences.
In 2020, our conference will be held virtually on Oct. 10th, and our new stand-alone conference web site was launched at PFPConference.org.
Previous to PFP forming in Philadelphia, there existed an informal lesbian moms group in Mt. Airy, a Gay Dads group, and CALM, Custody Action for Lesbian Moms.
In July, 1994, PFP became a chapter member of the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI), a 501(c)(3) organization. A dues structure was also established and by 1997 had well over a hundred member families from the greater Philadelphia area.
Philadelphia Family Pride ratified its first bylaws in 1996 and in 2000, PFP received tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization.
PFP collaborates frequently with other organizations, including Family Equality, P-FLAG Philadelphia, Therapy Center of Philadelphia, William Way LGBT Center, COLAGE, and more.
In 2007, PFP created a new branding strategy and unveiled the organization's first logo. A brand new logo, reflective of the More Color, More Pride flag debuted in Philadelphia and the trans flag, was introduced in 2019. Bylaws were updated and ratified in 2007, as well as 2015 and 2017, and major website revisions also occurred in 2008, 2012, and 2019. The organization continues to grew and thrive with an expanding geographic reach and diversity in membership.
Our first Family Matters Conference for LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents was held at Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Policy in 2010 and had over 100 attendees. The following year, in 2011, the 2nd Family Matters Conference was held at Widener University in Chester, PA. The 2012 conference was held at Arcadia University in Elkins Park and included educators. The 2013 Family Matters Conference was hosted by the William Way Center, and the 2014 conference at The Philadelphia School. In 2015, our sixth conference was held at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Starting in 2016, our conference has been held annually at the University of the Sciences.
In 2020, our conference will be held virtually on Oct. 10th, and our new stand-alone conference web site was launched at PFPConference.org.
