Meet the Team

  Hello, I'm Fern (She/Her) and, alongside my beautiful partner Sasha, I am the Co-founder and Director of Rainbow Families Yorkshire. I formed RFY in 2023 after trying to find a support network for myself and my family. 

Sasha and I became friends in 2018 and a year later, (After one too many panda pops ;-) ) our friendship became more.  After 6 months of dating, I packed up my life, my job and, with my dog, moved to Manchester to begin our lives together. Soon after, we decided to expand our little family and try for children. We were already aware that we both had fertility issues which made conceiving that much harder. After a while, I convinced Sasha we should try together and a few months later, we found ourselves both pregnant!  In 2021, we moved from Manchester to Barnsley, South Yorkshire, (My hometown) to be closer to our families. After giving birth, I struggled with postnatal depression which put a strain on our relationship, and although our sons were the best thing we could have ever wished for, we sadly separated.  

Luckily, our love story had a happy ending. We worked hard at rekindling our love for one another. We began dating again and learned how to communicate better with one another. I am so proud of Sasha and the person she is. She is an incredible mum and my best friend. In 2023 we made the decision to be the support network for other LGBTQ+ families. RFY was formed!  I am incredibly proud of our members and the diversity is amazing to see. We have made some amazing friends along the way and hope all of our members can do the same. If you have any suggestions or would like any advice, then please get in touch. Let's show the world that families, no matter how they are made up, are just as perfect. 

Hi,  Sasha here (She/her) Stem, I'm the other Co-founder and a Director of Rainbow Families Yorkshire CIC. As Fern said RFY was set up to help other LGBTQ+ families that are experiencing loneliness, isolation and as a result, poor mental health. Since RFY started I can honestly say as a family and as an individual I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. Meeting new people at events and seeing returning faces is amazing. I see new friendships forming between adults and I see our children playing together and I couldn't be more proud of what we are achieving together. A major factor for me is that our boys will have such a diverse group of friends, they are going to grow up with acceptance in their hearts and understand that no matter how a family is made up, we are all valid. Alongside my full time job with the ambulance service, raising two toddlers and just day to day life it can get pretty hectic but I wouldn't change a thing. We have so many plans for the group and I hope everyone can get involved along the way. Please do come to us if you need support or have any suggestions about what we can do to make our group better. Hope to see you at an event soon.   

Hi, We're Cain and Matt. Gay dads to our two adoptive children. We've been together since just before the pandemic and married in secret December 2023. We knew each other beforehand after meeting at Gran Canaria pride (Yumbo for a Sambuca, anyone?) At the time I was living overseas and Cain was rightly never going to leave Yorkshire, so we kept it to drinking wine and long chats and putting the world to rights.

We reconnected and started dating long distance (Dubai to Ossett) in 2019.

On our first date we had some serious questions for each other about our plans for the future. Perhaps it's that we're a little bit older but, as Cain said at the time, " If you didn't want kids, there probably wouldn't have been a second date." 

 After 5 trips back to the UK and just when Cain was planning to fly to Dubai, Covid came along. I worked as a Pilot at the time and we were tested after every flight. I was a very early inductee to the Covid club and couldnt leave the country again for 5 months. When I finally got out of Covid jail I had decided to pack up, change careers and head back to be with Cain. We moved in together during Covid 2.0 and we haven't looked back. 

 After three years of living together we decided to take the plunge and begin our adoption journey which culminated 6 months ago with our own little family coming home. We are a really open minded pair of gay dads and love being a part of the wider community of the rainbow. We cannot wait to meet you all again soon!

 Hiya I’m Jay-cee (He/Him) , I’m 30 years young. In 2015 I came out as transgender FTM (Had top surgery, waiting for bottom surgery and been on testosterone injections since 2018) I’ve had loads of support around me. I know a lot of people don’t receive the same level of support and acceptance, and for that I want to be the support for anyone going through similar issues. I can be your fairy godfather. My fiancée is Cait, She’s 25, pansexual. We were best friends in 2015 and were incredibly close, until November 2020 when our paths came together. I would never change her, she’s my person forever and always. We have the most handsome son, and  want more. We’re due to get married in April 2025 

If you need a chat, advice, support or someone to hold your hand, we would love to help! we’re all in this together. We're looking forward to meeting everyone and for you to  be part of this rainbow family 

Hi, I'm Sam (She/Her) and I live with my daughter in Wakefield. I made the decision to use a donor whilst flying single solo. I had previously tried for a family with my ex fiancé which did not work out. Thankfully I was offered the chance to become a mum through a donor I trusted and incredibly found myself pregnant first time round. After years of failed relationships and multiple attempts at being a mum, it was finally my turn! The love I have for my Daughter outweighs any relationship. 

 As a sociable person, still finding herself, I want to be someone others feel they can reach out to and chat about anything. I have had a battling time before becoming a mum and even now. I became a mum through Covid, homelessness and Studying for a degree. All this has made me the person I am today. I want to be able to offer support, advice and a safe ear to others. I struggled alone for a long time time and I never want others to feel like that. x  

 Hello! I’m Sophia (She/Her)  I married my wonderful wife, Becks(40), last year, and together we’re raising my lovely stepdaughter, Autumn (12), who is fortunate to have three mums looking out for her. As we navigate our IVF journey, I’m also back in university studying occupational therapy, building on my background in psychology (I like to be busy!)   As someone with autism and with Becks living with ADHD, I understand the unique challenges that neurodivergent families face in parenthood. This perspective fuels my passion for creating a supportive community where queer families can share their experiences, celebrate their identities, and connect with one another.  Rainbow families play a vital role in promoting diversity and acceptance, showcasing that love comes in many forms. I’m excited to come along to events and organize events in Sheffield  that foster a sense of belonging and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of our families. Rainbows is a space where everyone’s story is valued and heard, and I can’t wait to connect with you on this journey and provide any support you may need  

Hi, Kirsty (She/Her) born and bred in Chesterfield and now residing in the lovely city of Leeds. By day, I am a code geek, but by night and often I am a mam to a gorgeous 3 year old firecracker. I love wild swimming, walks, making memories and just generally living life to the full. As a professional photographer, you will find me and most events getting to know our members and acting as the events photographer.