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Same-sex broody couples, single gay men and lesbians dreaming of starting a family, as well as those who already have kids, will be flocking down to the Alternative Families Show on Saturday September 17th in London.
The show, which is now in its second year, has seen a growth in the number of gay men looking into the possibilities of using surrogacy.
Barrie Drewitt Barlow from the British Surrogacy Centre, one of the main sponsors of the event, said: “Elton John and other celebs have definitely made surrogacy more popular, however I think more everyday people are realising that surrogacy can be a more affordable option than before.”
For those considering surrogacy, Barrie urges you to come and find him on Saturday to learn more. There will also be a number of different seminars throughout the day.
The show’s headline sponsor is the London Women’s Clinic with Dawson Cornwell is the legal sponsor. These organisations will be joining over 50 others to give advice on adoption, co-parenting, fertility clinics, surrogacy and the law.
Sarah Garrett and Linda Riley from Square Peg Media are joining Citypink to organise the event, and are mums to twin girls aged four.
Sarah explained: “When we embarked on our journey to start a family, it was a minefield. There is so much to find out about: whether to go through adoption or have your own kids? Who will carry them? And then there’s the legal aspects.”
She added: “I wish there had been more information on offer to us five years ago. There’s a current baby boom within the gay community and simply not enough information out there. We’re offering a one-stop shop, where people can speak to the experts, learn more at seminars and share experiences with others in the same boat.”
The event also has lots on offer for those who have already had kids.
Sarah said: “We have children’s entertainment throughout the day and a couple of talks, one of them has a panel, including myself, Charlie Condou, gay dad and actor from Coronation Street, and Suran Dickson from Diversity Role Models, talking about how to deal with being a gay parent, especially at the school gate. It truly is a family affair!”
The Alternative Families Show is on Saturday September 17th at Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden, London. For more information on seminars and exhibitors, please visit www.alternativefamiliesshow.com.
