IFED history

May 6th 2018
«Children’s Rights Matter»

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May 7th 2017
«LOVE MAKES A FAMILY»

First Asia-Pacific Rainbow Families Forum 2017 in Hong Kong.
Hosted By: Planet Ally and International Family Equality Day. Impressions.

First International Exhibition «FAMILIES»
By: Rainbow Cities Network

A report into experiences of discrimination faced by LGBTIQ parented families when accessing NSW State Government services.
By: Rainbow Families Australia

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May 1st, 2016
«Bringing visibility to family diversity»

The Council of Europe recognises the IFED as an important tool to combat homophobia and transphobia and to promote a tolerant and cohesive society. In its 2015 report, as well as in its compendium of good practices of 2016, it highlights IFED as an opportunity to create visibility for LGBT communities, thereby raising awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity.

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May 3rd, 2015
«Families Without Borders»

The Council of Europe recognises the IFED as an important tool to combat homophobia and transphobia and to promote a tolerant and cohesive society. In its 2015 report, as well as in its compendium of good practices of 2016, it highlights IFED as an opportunity to create visibility for LGBT communities, thereby raising awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity.

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May 4th, 2014
«Welcoming Family Diversity!»

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May 5th, 2013
«Celebrating the Rainbow of Families Around the World!»

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May 6th, 2012

Regardless of different legal, political and social circumstances around the world, the dramatic increase in the numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, trans and queer (LGBTIQ*d) people choosing to raise children is a global phenomenon. The International Family Equality Day (IFED) was launched as a sign of solidarity and strength and to promote equality for all families. On 6 May 2012, several events were held throughout Europe, Canada and the U.S. Families, friends, interested parties, experts from government agencies and other institutions as well as politicians and representatives of all parties were invited to celebrate the rainbow of families and the family diversity in our world. This international day of rainbow families not only puts a spotlight on sexual orientation and gender diversity within a family, but also provides LGBTQ parents and their children, as well as straight allies with the opportunity to celebrate their family and community.

International LGBT Family Organizations Announce “International Family Equality Day” for 2012

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July 2011

LGBTQ family activists from around the world gathered for the first ever International Symposium of LGBTQ parenting organizations in Florida. The symposium provided an opportunity to establish ongoing international cooperation in areas such as research, visibility and advocacy, and the development of resources and programs for LGBTQ families worldwide. It was led by Family Equality Council, America’s foremost advocate for LGBT families, the Network of European LGBTIQ* Families Associations (NELFA) and the Canadian LGBT Parenting Network based in Toronto.

One of the key outcomes was the establishment of the International Family Equality Day, which will take place every year on the first Sunday in May.

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April 2011

Virginie TOURNIER-BROER creates the official IFED Logo.

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November 28th, 2010

Maria von Känel was founder of the day, and acted as coordinator of the IFED network and editor of the IFED Annual Reports since the first IFED celebration in 2012. The idea to create a special day once a year to celebrate and highlighting the diversity of families all over the world came to her in the course of her ongoing work on behalf of LGBT family rights in Switzerland.

“I am very happy that the representatives of local and regional authorities in Europe recognise the importance of celebrating diversity, including family diversity, and that they have included IFED among the list of activities that can be developed locally to promote a culture of acceptance in our towns and regions.”