I’m Estevan Ramirez (he/him), Families Program Coordinator at The Center, and I’m here to share some important resources to support LGBTQ+ families in our community, including our upcoming family planning event, The Parenthood Project, on August 9!
Family Services at The Center is an inclusive program dedicated to providing support, resources, and community to LGBTQ+ families. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ-headed household, raising LGBTQ+ youth, or an LGBTQ+ community member exploring the path to parenthood, we are here to walk alongside you. We know families come in all shapes and sizes, including chosen, biological, blended, and beyond, and we’re committed to honoring and supporting every version of family.
Our goal is to create welcoming spaces for connection, education, and empowerment so that LGBTQ+ families can grow and thrive here in San Diego.
The Parenthood Project
As part of our ongoing efforts to support LGBTQ+ families, we are thrilled to invite you to The Parenthood Project—a collaboration between Family Services at The Center and the San Diego Fertility Center—on Saturday, August 9, from 11am-3pm at The Center! This free, in-person event is designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who are exploring or actively planning their journey toward parenthood.
The Parenthood Project will feature professionals with expertise in different areas of the family-building process, including:
- Fertility experts from San Diego Fertility Center.
- Egg and sperm donation guidance from A Perfect Match and Coast to Coast Sperm Donation.
- Surrogacy insights from Nasceny Surrogacy.
LGBTQ+ family law expertise from Klein Fertility Law. - Financial planning strategies for family building from Sunfish.
Discussion topics will include reciprocal IVF, third-party reproduction, surrogacy, adoption, fostering, and more. This is a unique opportunity to learn from experts, ask questions, and connect with others who share your goals and dreams. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore family planning with your LGBTQ+ community! You can RSVP here: bit.ly/ParenthoodProject
Ongoing Support and Resources for LGBTQ+ Families
In addition to special events, Family Services at The Center offers regular support and community events for LGBTQ-identifying families. Our staff provides regular drop-in hours at South Bay Youth Center every Friday from 2-6pm and at Hillcrest Youth Center every Thursday from 2-6pm.
We also offer PACT, our monthly support group for Parents and Caregivers of Transgender/Nonbinary family members. PACT meets every first Thursday of the month from 5-6pm at the Hillcrest Youth Center. It’s a warm, welcoming space for sharing experiences, receiving guidance, and finding solidarity.
In addition, Plus Families offers occasional social events where LGBTQ+ families can gather, build community, and create space for youth and parents alike to connect in a fun, supportive setting. Events like movie nights, park picnics, and holiday crafting are great opportunities to meet other LGBTQ+ families navigating similar journeys and enjoy time together. Stay tuned for more Plus Families events on our website.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your family-building options or looking to strengthen the support around your existing family, Family Services at The Center is here for you. I hope to see you at The Parenthood Project or at one of our family events soon!
In community,
Estevan Ramirez (he/him)
Families Program Coordinator