[Fall Forum] Pride in Parenting: Navigating Systems as LGBTQ+ Families

Description

(November 2025) 

From the perspective of two social workers that also happen to be same-sex parents, this workshop will explore personal and professional insights on parenting in today’s rapidly changing landscape. Participants can expect to broaden their understanding of current political and societal challenges facing LGBTQ+ families through examining the nuances of navigating healthcare, education, legal systems and social services. Now more than ever, the difficult conversations are the most important to have and with this webinar, attendees can walk away with practical strategies, resources and confidence to advocate for families with hope and empowerment.

Learning Objectives:
•    Identify common systemic barriers that LGBTQ+ parents and families may encounter in healthcare, education, legal and social service systems.
•    Understand rights and protections available to LGBTQ+ parents in the state of Minnesota
•    Develop strategies for advocacy when engaging with professionals, institutions, or agencies that may hold biases or lack inclusivity.
•    Strengthen communication skills for discussing family structure with providers, educators and community supports.
•    Build confidence in allyship and awareness of supportive resources available on a local, state and national level to empower LGBTQ+ families in navigating systems safely and effectively.

Brianna Coleman received her MSW from the University of Minnesota in 2018 and currently holds her LICSW. Brianna works as a clinical program therapist with the MN Department of Corrections in a maximum-security mental health unit where she works with incarcerated individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis. [READMORE] She is also a member of The Minnesota Suicide Prevention Taskforce where she works to elevate suicide prevention as a priority in MN. She has worked in the mental health field for almost 15 years and has grown passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who hold marginalized identities. Brianna enjoys presenting educational trainings to a variety of different agencies and organizations on topics including attachment and development, severe and persistent mental illness, LGBTQ+ topics and trauma-informed care.

Stephanie Coleman is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISCW) who recently made a bold career change where she can cater to her strengths in leading teams, project management, organizational structure and communication as an Operations Manager with Accredited Investors. Prior to this change, she held the Director of Social Work role with Children’s Home Society and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota where she oversaw Foster Care Adoption, Domestic Infant Adoption, Pregnancy Services, and Education programs. She came to this role with experience directly working with youth in foster care seeking permanency, supporting adoptive families by providing attachment-focused and trauma-informed strategies, and providing education to adults considering adoption. Stephanie completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate through the University of Minnesota’s Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare in 2019.

watch time: 90 minutes

Eligible Certificate of Completion time: 90 minutes