Workshop #5:  The Shadow in the Family Photo
February 17at 7PM

Children have a natural interest in how they came about and how their family came to be, so questions regarding their family origin and family formation will and should occur. Although LGBTQ parents face more complexity in explaining how the family was created, children's questions must be dealt with factually and, it is hoped, without anxiety. For example, what is a daddy and what is a sperm donor? What is a mommy, and what is a surrogate? Meaningful answers to children's questions are necessary for healthy identity and self concept formation, and will be a focus of this workshop. Queer parents need strategioes to help them deal with the complexities of questions of identity an relationships that come up.

Liz Margolies, LCSW, a psychotherapist in private practice, serves on the Board of Directors of the Donor Sibling Registry, a non-profit organization serving more than 20,000 donor conceived offspring, parents, parents-to-be and donors who want to make connections with others who share their genetic ties. Liz also wrote the DSR’s FAQ page, offering psychological advice to those who are considering making connections. (http://donorsilbiongregister.com/FaqPage.php). Liz has a 16 year old son, conceived through anonymous sperm donation. She and her son found their donor through an internet search of their own design.

To make a reservation for any workshop, contact:
ihi Family Q @ 212-243-2830 or ihi-lgbt@juno.com