This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

In this thought-provoking and very personal talk, gay parent Lynne Elvins explores what "family" means in the 21st Century. She describes how we can all reconnect and be part of wider families, providing caring, kind and inspirational role models for the next generations, regardless of our sex or whether we share the same DNA or not. She also addresses the media headlines and myths around same-sex parenting, the machinations of the adoption process and society’s ingrained assumptions about gender roles.

When people announce they are going to have children - the normal reaction is “congratulations!” When you’re a gay couple who announce that you are going to adopt, you can get a very different reaction. Lynne and her partner Emma became the first gay couple to be approved for adoption in Bristol, UK, in 2004. Lynne takes us on the incredibly moving and thought-provoking journey her family embarked on with their adopted son Steven.

Lynne Elvins is a design strategist and runs her own consultancy business. Lynne and her partner Emma, became the first gay couple to be approved for adoption in Bristol, UK.