Description

LGBTQ+ families are part of every workplace, yet many parenting and LGBTQ+ ERGs rarely address what it actually means to parent as an LGBTQ+ person today. This virtual lunch-and-learn gives Chamber corporate partners a clear, real-world understanding of LGBTQ+ family life, the systems families navigate, and the role employers play in creating conditions where all families can thrive.

Drawing on fifteen years of national work in LGBTQ+ family-building, fertility education, and equity-centered training, our special guest speaker Trystan Reese will guide participants through the realities of becoming and being an LGBTQ+ parent—whether through adoption, pregnancy, surrogacy, or blended family structures. The session blends personal experience, research, policy guidance, and practical tools for workplace inclusion.

Key Takeaways: 

• Understand the unique pathways LGBTQ+ people use to build families and recognize common barriers LGBTQ+ parents face in healthcare, HR systems, and community spaces
• Learn actionable steps employers can take to support LGBTQ+ families in their organizations
• Strengthen B/ERG programming by connecting parenting groups and LGBTQ+ groups more intentionally and accessing the Chamber's local ecosystem of family and community resources

Special Give-away: One attendee will receive an autographed copy of Tystan’s book: “How We Do Family: From Adoption to Trans Pregnancy, What We Learned about Love and LGBTQ Parenthood”

Special Guest Speaker & Author

Trystan Reese (he/him)
Collaborate Consulting, LLC

Trystan Reese (he/him) is a nationally recognized educator, author, and consultant who has spent more than fifteen years supporting organizations in building more equitable, inclusive workplaces. His work spans healthcare, corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, with clients including: Cambridge Associates, Carrot Fertility, Kindbody, Multnomah County, Penn State, Tillamook, Farm Credit Services of America, and dozens of global reproductive health organizations.

He has presented at the NGLCC National Conference and Out & Equal, has supported the GSBA and is an NGLCC-certified LGBTBE© business owner, and regularly consults with LGBTQ+ and parenting ERGs in the corporate sector. Trystan is the author of “How We Do Family: From Adoption to Trans Pregnancy, What We Learned about Love and LGBTQ Parenthood” and children’s book “The Light of You”. He is a frequent contributor to peer-reviewed publications on LGBTQ+ family formation and gender-inclusive healthcare.

Special Guest Host

Dr. Paul Lovero, OD
Montrose Eye Care

Dr. Paul Lovero is a modern-day optometrist and owner of Montrose Eye Care.  He opened his practice in 2017 located in Montrose, considered the "Heart of Houston", which is notable for its hipster culture, art/food scene, and LGBTQ+ presence.  His mission is to provide the highest level of eye care with the latest technology while also making sure his patients are leaving in style with any of the diverse independent eyewear collections represented in his optical. Dr. Lovero spends his time with his husband and 2 children Dylan & Emery, and their fur babies, Milo & Coco.

• LGBTQ+ & Allied ERGs/BERGs and workplace affinity/employee networks
• Inclusion, HR, Talent & Culture professionals
• Corporate community engagement, philanthropy, and CSR leaders
• Supplier inclusion and procurement professionals
• People managers committed to building inclusive teams
• Business leaders and executives championing equitable workplaces

ABOUT THE LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE

The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance was developed exclusively for Chamber Impact Partners to facilitate engagement and learning between LGBTQ+ & Allied Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) leaders, human resources, talent recruitment, supplier access, and leadership professionals engaged in belonging and inclusion efforts within their companies in Houston and beyond. 

Is your company interested in becoming a Chamber Impact Partner and participating in LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Programming? Learn more here.

If you have questions about the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance or eligibility to attend this event, contact Ryan Wilson, Director of Corporate Relations: ryan.wilson@houstonlgbtchamber.com or 410-459-4670.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE PROGRAM SPONSORS

By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event, you agree to Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies.