Seven Core Issues of Adoption: September 20, September 27
Wednesday, September 20 and Wednesday, September 27
6 – 8 p.m.
The seven core issues of adoption include the reasons for placement, the loss of birth family and history, identity, rejection, guilt and shame, grief, and loyalty. We will examine each of these issues in detail, discussing how they may manifest themselves and how individuals
involved in adoption may navigate these complex emotions and experiences.
The ABCs of Adoption: A Step-by-Step Guide: October 4
Wednesday, October 4
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Danielle Otchie, Adoption Council of Ontario
Curious about adoption and this incredible journey to family building? Discover the different types of adoption: public, private and international. Joined by the Adoption Council of Ontario, you’ll gain insight into the processes involved in each option, as well as unique joys and challenges that come with each option. Don’t miss this chance to embark on a remarkable journey towards understanding adoption and the beautiful families it creates.
Family Building Under Ontario Law: October 10
Tuesday, October 10
6 – 8 p.m.
Join us for an insightful discussion on the various options available to prospective parents when planning their families in Ontario. Ontario offers a range of family building options that provide flexibility and can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each individual or couple.
Doulas and Their Supports for Families And Parents-To-Be: October 11
Wednesday, October 11
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Giselle Johnston, Full Spectrum Doula
What is a doula? Who would benefit from working alongside a doula? Giselle (they/them) supports 2SLGBTQ families from conception through to postpartum. They are a Full Spectrum Doula, childbirth educator and lactation consultant with years of training and experience caring for people as they become parents. This includes guiding families through termination, loss, birth, and life after welcoming their newest family member(s). Join us to learn about the unique ways in which doula care can benefit you.
Fostering: October 17 – November 14
Tuesday evenings, excluding Tuesday, October 31
6 – 8 p.m.
Join our closed-group, community-oriented fostering course for 2SLGBTQ individuals interested in growing their family through fostering. Through presentations, personal reflection, group discussions, and guest speakers, participants will explore practical, emotional, social, and legal issues related to fostering in Ontario.
Legal Considerations for Assisted Reproduction: October 18
Wednesday, October 18
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Shirley Levitan, Family & Fertility Law
What are the legal implications involved in assisted reproduction? Family & Fertility Law joins us to explore Canadian Assisted Human Reproductive Act in our workshop tailored for 2SLGBTQ individuals. Learn legal insights on fertility, surrogacy, and donors. Join to gain knowledge of the 2SLGBTQ family building journey.
Surrogacy and Known Donor Relationships: October 25
Wednesday, October 25
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Angie Prum and Nici Shipway, Hive Surrogacy
Join our enlightening workshop on surrogacy and known donor connections. Uncover legal, emotional, and ethical dimensions of the surrogacy journey from representatives of Hive Surrogacy. In this interactive session, you will gain insights about surrogacy and known donor relationships.
Identity: November 8
Wednesday, November 8
6 – 8 p.m.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on identity and its relation to adoption. This discussion will delve into the various emotional and social considerations related to the formation of identity for adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families.
Fertility Preservation for Transgender Individuals Prior to Treatment: November 15
Wednesday, November 15
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Khalil Ali (MD, BSc), Tripod Fertility
This session focuses on fertility preservation for Trans population prior to treatment. Kahlil Ali, a third-party coordinator from Tripod Fertility, will cover both egg/sperm storage and termination procedures for Trans individuals.
Please note that this session is specifically for trans individuals looking for access to information on family building.
Third-Party Reproduction and Health Canada Guidelines: November 21
Wednesday, November 21
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Elisa Gores and Britt Kernen, Twig Fertility
In Canada, many aspects of building a family using a gamete donor and/or a gestational carrier are regulated by the federal government. Elisa Gores, RSW (she/her) and Britt (she/they), third-party coordinators from Twig Fertility, will walk through the process of third-party reproduction and Health Canada guidelines for 2SLGBTQ family building.
Lactation and Infant Feeding: November 22
Wednesday, November 22
6 – 8 p.m.
Guest speaker: Giselle Johnston, Full Spectrum Doula
Giselle Johnston (They/Them), Full Spectrum Doula, joins us to provide an understanding of various lactation supports and infant feeding techniques. Prospective parents and new families will receive invaluable insights on lactation support and infant feeding techniques.
