How We Work
We believe how we do this work matters as much as the work itself, and it starts with one idea: meet people where they are. Mama Dragons supports mothers of LGBTQ+ children, wherever they are on their journey.​
Meeting Moms of LGBTQ+ Kids Where They Are
SUPPORT:
Some mothers come to us needing support. They’re in the first days after their child comes out, or the hard ones that follow, and they need someone who has been there to sit with them.
CELEBRATE:
Others come with good news: a first date, a name that finally fits, a graduation, a Pride parade, a Tuesday where everything felt easy. We believe in celebrating that too, because our children’s lives are not only the hard moments, and sometimes we need a place where someone else will cheer with us.
LEARN:
Some come to learn. They want to understand their child’s life better, and they want practical tools they can use at the dinner table.
ADVOCATE:
Some come ready to advocate, to speak up for their child and their community, and to find out how. Many are doing all of it at once. Wherever you start, you’re in the right place, and you can move at your own pace.
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Wherever you start, you’re in the right place.
Every Mother Is Welcome
We also welcome every mother as she is. Some arrive from deeply rooted faith traditions. Some are leaving one. Some have never set foot in a church. Some vote one way, some vote another, and some are too tired to think about it. None of that is a requirement for belonging. What brings us together is love for our children, and we meet each parent with respect, curiosity, and without judgment.
Learning and Resources for Parents
We’re here for anyone who wants to learn. Empowered Parent Learning gives parents, and anyone who loves a young person, practical classes they can take at their own pace. Our Legislative Tracker helps you see what’s happening in your state and what it could mean for your family, so you aren’t left guessing. An informed parent is an engaged parent. When you understand what your child is facing, you know how to show up for them, at home and beyond.
How We Work With Partners
We bring that same respect to our partners. We don’t believe in transactional relationships. We honor our partners’ work and perspectives. We listen first, ask what’s needed before offering what we have, and stay in the room when things get complicated, because that’s where trust gets built.
Supporting Mama Dragons as a Donor or Sponsor
We invite our sponsors and donors into the conversation, not just the appeal. When you give to Mama Dragons or partner with us, you become part of how we think and learn. We share what we’re seeing, make room for your questions, and offer resources for your staff and their families, because LGBTQ+ people and the people who love them are in every workplace.
Our Four Commitments
We invite our sponsors and donors into the conversation, not just the appeal. When you give to Mama Dragons or partner with us, you become part of how we think and learn. We share what we’re seeing, make room for your questions, and offer resources for your staff and their families, because LGBTQ+ people and the people who love them are in every workplace.
HONOR
We treat every person and every story with dignity.
NO JUDGEMENT
We believe people grow when they feel safe, and we work hard to be that safe place.
OPEN-MINDEDNESS
We come willing to learn, including from people who see things differently than we do.
INTEGRITY
We say what we mean, do what we say, and are honest about what we don’t yet know.