The Y’s commitment to families, during Pride Month and beyond

Happy Pride Month from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago! To us, Pride is about togetherness and acceptance. We look forward to observing this month’s spirited celebrations while emphasizing the need to continue the liberatory work of creating safe, welcoming, and equitable spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members to live healthy, active lives.

To that end, we at the Y would like to reaffirm our commitment to all families, no matter their shape or structure. We believe that family is rooted in belonging: whether biological, adopted, or chosen, the Y is here to strengthen families like yours through enriching, community-building activities for all ages.

One way we demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity is in the language we use to describe our memberships.

As stated in our membership policy, family memberships constitute “One or two individuals in a relationship residing in the same household with or without children less than 19 years of age, unless a child is less than 23 years of age and enrolled as a full-time student.”

Meanwhile, household memberships comprise “Two individuals in a relationship with dependent children less than 19 years of age, unless the child is less than 23 years of age and enrolled as a full-time student, and/or dependent adults all residing in the same household.”

However you define family, the YMCA of Metro Chicago endeavors to serve as an extension of yours. This Pride Month and beyond, we hope that every time you and your loved ones walk into your local Y, you feel free to bring your whole selves and identities.