PRAISE
for Family Diversity Projects
“I have been honored to be on the Advisory Board of Family Diversity Projects for many years. Given the important contribution Family Diversity Projects’ exhibits and books have had over 25 years in schools, colleges, and communities, I recommend Family Diversity Projects’ exhibits and books to teachers, professors, and administrators as among the best educational resources available on diversity themes.”
— Sonia Nieto, Ph.D, Author of Affirming Diversity, Professor Emerita, Language, Literacy, and Culture, University of Massachusetts
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From the First Schools to Use our Online Exhibits
“Family Diversity Projects’ virtual family exhibit, In Our Family, is an amazing resource for introducing students to the diversity of families. We used the gallery for introductory lessons in preparation for our annual diversity day. This year’s theme was the diversity of families in our school. The virtual gallery and related curriculum provided teachers with a roadmap for discussing our student families and provided students with the appropriate language for exploring family makeup of their classmates. As a ‘diverse by design’ school, we are constantly looking for ways to incorporate cultural diversity into our curriculum. With the Family Diversity Projects' Online Exhibition gallery, we have found a resource that we can use for years to come."
— Markus Townsend, Director of Culture & Student Support, Sela Public Charter School, Washington DC
“I just met with our student committee to preview the exhibit and discuss our overall project. I was not prepared for the level of insight and rich dialogue given the ages of the students (9-11 years)! It was one of the most impactful conversations that I've ever had with students, where an organic and authentic discussion delved into family structures, identity, bias, and stereotypes. This was just the initial meeting to jumpstart the project, and the excitement of students and staff has already spread! Since our school is using the hybrid model, we decided to bring the physical exhibit and also use the Online virtual version. We set up the photographs and interviews in a prominent public space in our building, and our next steps are to have classroom teachers introduce the exhibit using the virtual link to focus on specific topics in the classroom. The students will be able to go through activities of comparing/contrasting and exploring bias in small group discussions online. This is the work that I love and validates the wonderful opportunity I have to actively engage students in being culturally-responsive learners using the resources offered by Family Diversity Projects.”
— Amanda Mathiesen, Principal, Hosack Elementary School, Allison Park, PA
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“I invited Family Diversity Projects to curate a special exhibit – in online format – on LGBTQ Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants. The wonderful exhibit that they created has offered our students, alums, and friends a powerful experience which, in turn, has led to a variety of learning opportunities around the topics of immigration policies, activism, and spirituality. We at CLGS enthusiastically recommend Family Diversity Projects for their crucial work in fighting to reduce discrimination and bullying in all forms. Not only have we hosted their wonderful traveling exhibits for several years now, but we also have enjoyed – and highly recommend – their online exhibits as well!”
— Bernard Schlager, PhD, Associate Professor of Historical and Cultural Studies, Pacific School of Religion; Executive Director, The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS)
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“I am sure that I speak for all who saw the exhibit when I say we won’t forget the beauty, vulnerability and courage of the families in these photographs.”
— Clinton L. Carbon, Director of Multicultural Affairs, Dwight-Englewood School, NJ
“We were incredibly pleased with the quality of the exhibit, the diversity of the families represented, the ease of set-up, and the encouragement from Family Diversity Projects to turn this into part of a larger project that fit our community.”
— Reese C. Kelly, Ph.D, Assistant Dean and LGBTQIA Advisor, Dartmouth College
“An unforgettable experience. I witnessed first-hand the incredible power of the dialogue that comes from experiencing the photographs and the text panels. The exhibit touched every student I spoke with, whether or not they had their own story to tell.”
— Dale Rogers Marshall, President, Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts
“When I first wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children’s book to portray a happy loving family of a little girl with two lesbian moms, I had no idea how many families my book would touch and support. In a similar way, Family Diversity Projects touches people young and old with their ground-breaking exhibitions and books, which have educated thousands of people about the moral equality of LGBTQ people and their families. Wherever they are displayed, the exhibits help to reduce discrimination and bullying of all people who are perceived to be “different,” leading to safer environments for LGBTQ children and adults. Simply put, the exhibits are unique tools in the fight to dismantle homophobia and transphobia.”
— Leslea Newman, Author, Heather Has Two Mommies
AUTHENTIC SELVES
“We were very privileged to house the Authentic Selves display in our sanctuary in May 2023. It gave us another way to introduce more trans people to our congregation. It's important to us as a faith community to offer safety and support to trans people, and hosting the exhibit is one powerful and effective way to do that.”
— The Reverend Janet C. Bush, Unitarian Society of Northampton, MA, May 2023
“From Love Makes a Family to the new Authentic Selves, I have counted on educational resources from Family Diversity Projects in my LGBTQ+ faith and social justice work for decades. I cannot imagine doing this work in faith communities, campus ministries and theological schools without these extraordinary resources. In the midst of this current wave of political and legislative attacks upon transgender children and their families, I am grateful for the arrival of the Authentic Selves book and traveling photo-text exhibit.
—Michael J. Adee, Ph.D., Director, Global Faith and Justice Project, Santa Fe, New Mexico, May 2023
Authentic Selves is the resource that seminaries and churches need right now. I hear frequently from pastors, professors, seminary students and parishioners that they need help to navigate the challenges of transgender concerns in their contexts - but without first-hand knowledge of what trans lives actually are like, they can't even begin to formulate a healthy and helpful response to those they serve. The Authentic Selvesexhibit and book provide real-life, beautifully rendered stories and photographs that are compelling in their depth and sensitivity. Every person needs to see this work, and most especially those in faith contexts who have the ability to either do the most good — or frighteningly, the most harm — in their communities.
—Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen, Executive Director, PARITY, New York, NY, May 2023
“As a Transgender man, Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families was the book that I needed growing up! I was raised in a liberal household by a parent that didn't force gender roles on me and even so, I needed to see the stories of other trans families and their journeys. I didn't know how to be who I was or even how to name who I was and although I had a supportive community, a book like this could have saved me and my family years of half truths and hurt feelings if we had access to a multicultural, multifaith, expression of trans family living and thriving in many different configurations. As a Minister in a liberal faith, the greatest tool I have to combat hate is love. The greatest tool I have to combat ignorance is information. Authentic Selves gives me both undeniable and indisputable stories that many people can identify with. Every denomination would be doing its congregants a great service to have this book in their congregational libraries and religious classrooms. In addition, there is a powerful traveling photo-text exhibit also called Authentic Selves that I would urge them to display in their houses of worship.”
— Rev. Ali K.C. Bell M.S.W., M.Div, Minister of Congregational Life and Engagement, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation
In Our Family
“We displayed the In Our Family exhibit for an entire month. We believe that every child and their family should feel safe, respected, and supported in our school. Exposing children at all ages to difference is an important way to combat prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. I would be happy to speak to anyone considering bringing this exhibit to their school.”
— Gloria Fernandez-Tearte, Director of Admission and Diversity, Greenwich Academy, CT
“In Our Family went over really well and I’ve had multiple staff and faculty stop to talk to me about how unique the exhibit was, and to talk about multiple stories they had read from the different families. There seemed to always be students looking at the exhibit in the Student Union and reading the stories. Thank you for your incredible exhibit and for allowing us to use it at the U of Akron as part of our Diversity Week 2015!”
— David Matthew Vale, Department of Student Life, University of Akron
“In Our Family is such a wonderful exhibit and we are getting excellent feedback. The photos are in an incredibly well trafficked area – the main ‘street’ of our library, and I constantly see people stopping by and looking and reading the descriptions. I am incredibly pleased and happy this will be up for two weeks. Thousands of people in our community had the opportunity to stop and learn more about the families in the photos. I heard from so many students and colleagues comments like, ‘These are so wonderful. I made a plan to read two every day so I could spend time with them all.’ We complemented the photo exhibit with a video display of rotating family photos submitted by faculty, staff, and students, and encouraged them to consider what family meant to them and how they wanted to represent that in a photo. We were incredibly pleased with the quality of the exhibit, the diversity of the families represented, the ease of set-up, and the encouragement from Family Diversity Projects to turn this into part of a larger project that fit our community.”
— Reese C. Kelly, Ph.D, Assistant Dean and LGBTQIA Advisor, Dartmouth College, NH
“I am writing to thank you for offering the exhibit In Our Family.We sponsored this exhibit to visually represent to our school community part of our mission as a school, which is “To Respect Cultural Diversity.” We wanted to give a voice to the children and families that apply to our school looking for a safe environment for their children. We are a regional, public school serving 500 children (K-5) from 13 very diverse communities in Southeastern CT. The exhibit was a beautiful representation and affirmation of our school community and everyone benefited from having it here. We thank you for offering this unique and thought-provoking experience and we look forward to sponsoring another exhibit soon.”
— Laureen Pierandi, Manager of Enrichment, Regional Multicultural Magnet School, New London, CT
“Thank you so much for sharing the In Our Family exhibit with us. People seemed to really click with the stories and people in the exhibit and to spend a lot of time reading and enjoying the gallery. It was absolutely wonderful, and I would love to host another one sometime soon.”
— Hope Eggett, Curator, Museums at Union Station, Ogden, UT
Building Bridges
“Building Bridges is crucial in this time of political divisiveness. The exhibit, which seamlessly combines exquisite photos with moving text, breaks down stereotypes about immigrants and refugees in a unique and powerful way. It makes an indelible impression on the heart and soul of everyone who sees it. I urge you to support Family Diversity Projects and to bring this exhibit to your community.”
— Bill Newman, ACLU of Massachusetts attorney, Western Massachusetts Legal Office
“At a time when immigrants and refugees are being negatively characterized by our administration, it feels more important than ever to ensure that educators are reminding students of the humanity, dignity and courage of these brave and beautiful individuals. Displaying Building Bridges: Stores of Immigrants and Refugees on our campus was a compelling and effective way to highlight the stories of people who have arrived on our shores and are worthy of respect, compassion and inclusion. It’s been said that it’s difficult to hate someone once we know their story. This exhibit allows us to learn the stories of people, who with a flip of the coin, could have been us. It’s a powerful tool for educators.”
— Judy Raper, Director of Student Development, Greenfield Community College, MA
“We appreciate the amazing resources that the Family Diversity Project is committed to creating to educate people of all ages about the full range of diversity. The photo-text exhibit Building Bridges: Portraits of Immigrants and Refugees is a strong example of this. We are grateful to be able to host this type of program on all grade levels at Green Acres.”
— Mary Sing, Assistant Director of Diversity, and Ann Kappell Danner, Middle School Advisory Coordinator at Green Acres School, MD
“The fusion of text and images in Building Bridges gave voice to a marginalized group of people in a way that was accessible and meaningful to our middle school students. Your activity guides and recommendations were most helpful, and our teachers developed even more activities for us in our Language Arts classes. Additionally, our school is teaching courses on “Courageous Conversations” around the topics of race and racism; the gallery allowed for a rich conversation about damaging myths and stereotypes.”
-From letter of Gail Kipper, Principal, and Christopher Keogh, Assistant Principal, at Farragut Middle School
“We are extremely excited about the next chapter of your work. We are so grateful that we were able to get six of our asylum seekers to participate in your newest exhibit, Building Bridges. By giving them a public forum to tell their stories of torture and abuse before they found a refuge at Hadwen Park Church and the LGBT Asylum Support Task Force, they feel that they are helping others of faith to understand the need for safety for all people.
“We know that Family Diversity Projects has supported our asylum seekers to tell their stories with dignity and clarity, and with your outreach to houses of worship, schools, colleges, and workplaces around the USA. And we know that their stories will continue to have an impact. In this era of lies about and denigration of immigrants and LGBTQ people, Building Bridges is a crucial educational tool for people young and old. By viewing these photos and reading their stories, I believe that this new exhibit will influence many people, young and old, to fight against the widening net of discrimination in America under Trump. We look forward to spreading the word to people around the USA about Building Bridges as well as continuing to promote your past projects focused on LGBTQ people. We urge donors and foundations to fund Family Diversity Projects, which I know is the only way that will allow your work to be seen by people regardless of their ability to pay.
“Thank you for working to reduce bullying, dismantling homophobia/transphobia and saving lives along the way! The inclusion of our asylum seekers in your moving and powerful work touches my heart deeply. Peace!”
—Pastor Judy Hanlon, Senior Minister, Hadwen Park Church, UCC, CO-Founder, LGBT Asylum Support Task Force
“I invited Family Diversity Projects to curate a special exhibit – in online format – on LGBTQ Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants. The wonderful exhibit that they created has offered our students, alums, and friends a powerful experience which, in turn, has led to a variety of learning opportunities around the topics of immigration policies, activism, and spirituality. We at CLGS enthusiastically recommend Family Diversity Projects for their crucial work in fighting to reduce discrimination and bullying in all forms. Not only have we hosted their wonderful traveling exhibits for several years now, but we also have enjoyed – and highly recommend – their online exhibits as well!”
— Bernard Schlager, PhD, Associate Professor of Historical and Cultural Studies, Pacific School of Religion; Executive Director, The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS)
Love Makes a Family
"The quality of Love Makes a Family was beyond our expectations, and the range of diversity expressed within the families represented really made it something that a wide range of people could relate to. I am greatly looking forward to working with Family Diversity Projects again soon and would recommend this exhibit to everyone!"
- Nicole Chabot, Program Coordinator, Student Activities and Leadership Development, Wesleyan University
“Thanks for your amazing work at Family Diversity Projects. We showed your Love Makes a Family exhibit in our church for several months. It reinforced our ONA stance (welcoming to LGBTQ people) and gave a beautiful visual to the concept that family is defined by love not sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, or ability. I would hope that your extraordinary exhibits will continue to be available to be shown at all houses of worship and seminaries regardless of their ability to pay to ship and rent the exhibits. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, and the interviews are extraordinarily powerful and deep.
“When we were exhibiting Love Makes a Family, we invited author Candace Waldren to speak as part of our social justice project. Candace, unsolicited, told the entire congregation and community who were visiting for the event that Family Diversity Projects saved her transitioning son’s life. He had told his mom that it was the first time that he saw himself (rhetorically) pictured and honored.”
- Pastor Judy Hanlon, Senior Minister, Hadwen Park Church, UCC CO-Founder, LGBT Support Task Force
“Love Makes A Family is a wonderful exhibit, and I want to thank you for arranging for us to have it on such short notice. As I was about to take it down, a class of about twenty teenagers arrived from a nearby high school, and I stood back and watched as they looked at the exhibit. Never have I seen a group of kids so interested in looking at a photographic exhibit.They all looked intently at each photograph, and they all read every word of the narratives that accompanied the images. I understood how mesmerized they were, because I had the same reaction whenI viewed the exhibit. The children and adults in the exhibit wrote about their families with such honesty and respect, with so much love and understanding that I'm certain it has had a strong, positive influence on everyone who has viewed it. I wish that it could travel to every school in our country for it truly is a strong weapon against homophobia. Also, I want to tell you how clever you were in designing the exhibit. It was so easy to pack and unpack, so easy to mount and to arrange, so smart of you to have included shorter quotes and longer narratives, and large print captions for elementary school children. It is one of the best traveling exhibits I have ever seen, and we are eager to have your other exhibits at the Boston Public Library.”
—Ellen Graf, Special Projects Librarian, Boston Public Library Main Branch
OF MANY COLORS
“I would like to tell you how pleased we were to have the experience of viewing the many thought-provoking photographs and stories in the Of Many Colors exhibit. Certainly, each family's story and accompanying illustration brought home the idea that it is only through understanding and appreciation of our differences that we can in fact thrive as members of our own intricate families, neighbors within a community, and stewards of our global kinship. Of Many Colors was displayed prominently in two elementary level schools in Auburn, Maine for a period of two weeks each. Each of these schools, Families were invited to view the display on designated evenings, as well, and seemed very pleased to do so. The response to the display was overwhelming in terms of heightened awareness, interest, and understanding. Speaking for myself, the engaging photos and thoughtful text certainly made me aware of the contribution which my family has made toward bringing people of diverse backgrounds together in harmony. I know that the inspirational material helped all viewers to look at family composition from a fresh and encouraging perspective.
- Sheryl Baker, Fairview School, Auburn Maine. Elementary
“I am so happy that the Diversity Working Group at Greenfield Community College was able to sponsor Of Many Colors. All of the feedback that we've received about the exhibit has been incredibly positive. These pictures are doing exactly what we wanted, getting people to talk about race, acceptance, equality, and about their own experiences This is one level of institutional change, having people who are part of our community thinking and talking about race. Another level is promoting the visual and written arts that encompass anti-racism and multiculturalism. It is my intent to bring more of the Family Diversity Project's exhibits to Greenfield Community College. I have enjoyed my contact with you and hope to work with you in the future.”
- Lou Peugh, Co-Chair Diversity Working Group, Greenfield Community College, MA
AUTHENTIC SELVES
“We’ve shown four of your exhibits, and every year we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who view the exhibits. They always say your exhibits are ‘refreshing’ and ‘eye opening’ and ‘perspective changing.’ We always host an opening reception with a speaker and invite the wider community into the conversation. The speaker this year for Authentic Selves said: ‘Just stopping to view this exhibit, to read the stories is activism. Let people see you viewing it and taking it in. Show your acceptance by just this small act of participation. That can be enough to create even greater change in our world.”
—Denise Hill, Professor, Delta College, MI
THE ROAD TO FREEDOM
This past semester we were able to host The Road to Freedom exhibit during our ability awareness week. The exhibit was the focus of the week's activities and the impact of the exhibit was very powerful. Many students, staff, administrators and community members commented on how moved and inspired they felt after viewing and reading the accompanying text. Working in the educational field, I felt The Road to Freedom exhibit gave a better understanding and insight for the students we serve. I am also impressed with the diversity within the exhibit and how you were able to capture such a variety of people willing to share their experiences. Thank you for working with our college to be able to bring such a valuable resource to our community!
—Greg Clement, Assistant Dean of Students, Mt. Wachusett Community College, MA
“My definition of ‘normal’ includes everyone no matter what disability anyone has. Disability is just a part of the flavor that makes us people. To me, disabilities are normal. Society says that ‘normal’ means people who fit within clearly defined lines. I see the lines as being way out there, and nobody is on the outside. That is why I decided to participate with my family in the wonderful exhibit, The Road to Freedom, as I wanted to let the world know this, too.”
—Juan Dixon, Technical Assist, Office of Students with Disabilities, Holyoke Community College, MA
Nothing to Hide
“We were so pleased with the reception that Nothing to Hide got for the two weeks it was on display in our Student Center. Numerous comments from students, faculty, and staff made mention of their gratitude for having the display available, as well as their own experiences–either personally or with family and friends–with mental illness. We’re constantly looking for ways to educate our campus community about the presence of mental health concerns and the support services that are available, and Nothing to Hide served to do both of those things.”
- Eric Everson, Outreach Coordinator, Utah State University Counseling and Psychological Services
“Thanks to Family Diversity Projects for the Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness in the Family exhibit. This exhibit was a great example of how we should see people who have mental illness and it helps to dispel the myths and stereotypes that the public has about people who have mental illness. This exhibit also helps to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness.”
- Zina May, President, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mobile, AL
“Psychiatric treatment is more effective now than at any other time in history. It is a hopeful time, but stigma is worldwide and stifling. It prevents the sick from seeking help. Nothing to Hide aims to eradicate prejudice and discrimination based on mental disability. It is a project whose hour has come.”
- Edwin H. Cassem, M.D., Chief of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
“The Division of Mental Health Services recently showcased Nothing to Hide in our State Capitol rotunda during the legislative session. The Capitol was filled not only with law-makers, but also with many state agency representatives and other visitors, including school groups. The photographs were captivating and the text was poignant and informative. The exhibit was of outstanding educational benefit and had an impact on everyone who viewed it.”
- John Selig, Director of Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health Service
“I witnessed first hand the incredible power of the dialogue that comes from experiencing the photographs and the text panels from Nothing to Hide. This exhibit makes it safe to talk openly and candidly about mental issues within one‘s own family. The exhibit touched every student I spoke with, whether or not they had their own story to tell.”
- Dale Rogers Marshall, President, Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts
“I enthusiastically endorse Nothing to Hide. Serious mental illnesses are devastating but common experiences for many families. Anything we can do to educate, decrease stigma, and reach out to families who feel they are alone with this problem is worthwhile.”
- E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., Research Psychiatrist, Author, Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers, and Providers
WE HAVE FAITH
“We Have Faith will continue to break the notion that Christians and religious people of other faiths, including Jews and Muslims, are all anti LGBT. This exhibit from Family Diversity Projects will bolster the movement to create a new landscape in which faith and religion is a place of nurturance for those who have been wounded by the homophobic and transphobic voices in so many faith traditions. This exhibit is doing ground-breaking work in the area of faith and values. I encourage every house of worship, religious conference, seminary, college or school to show We Have Faith and all the other Family Diversity Projects’ exhibits.”
- Sung Park, Program Director, Believe Out Loud Project and seminary student at Union Theological School
“I’m a Lutheran pastor and my partner, Jane, is a UCC pastor. Over the years, we’ve both worked for greater inclusion in the church because for many years the Lutheran Church did not recognize my ministry. We celebrate the recent policy change that now allows the Lutheran Church to affirm my ordination. I do my most authentic ministry when I can fully be myself. I don’t talk about being gay that often, and yet it makes a huge difference not to have to hide reality. For that reason, we decided to be in the wonderful exhibit We Have Faith and show it at both of our churches here in Minnesota.”
- Reverend Jen Nagel