Meet the Team
Fern Ruan Head of Events & Marketing
Hi, I’m Fern (she/her), Co-founder and Director of Rainbow Families Yorkshire.
I founded RFY in 2023 with my partner and best friend, Sasha, after we struggled to find a local support network for LGBTQ+ families like ours. We wanted to create the kind of inclusive, welcoming community we had once been searching for.
Sasha and I met in 2018 and became friends before our relationship developed the following year. Six months later, I moved to Manchester to live with her, bringing my job, my belongings, and a strange little dog.
We both wanted to start a family, though the process came with fertility challenges. After several attempts, we decided to try together and were both pregnant within months — not something we’d planned, but c’est la vie! 😅
In 2021, we moved to my hometown of Barnsley in South Yorkshire to be closer to family. A few years later, we founded Rainbow Families Yorkshire to build the local support and community we hadn’t been able to find at the time.
Today, I’m incredibly proud of the families who make up Rainbow Families Yorkshire. If you’re looking for connection, support, or a sense of belonging, you are very welcome here.
Sasha Ruan HEAD OF FINANCIAL STABILITY & CORPORATE SERVICES
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.
Cain & Matt Social Media Support
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!
Jay-cee Phillips parent FAMILY LIAISON (Trans sector)
Hi, I’m Jay-cee (he/him), 30 years young.
In 2015, I came out as transgender (FTM). Since then, I’ve had top surgery, started testosterone in 2018, and I’m currently on the waiting list for bottom surgery. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had strong support from family and friends — but I know not everyone is met with that same level of love and acceptance.
That’s why I want to be that support for others. If you're going through your own journey — coming out, transitioning, questioning, or just needing someone in your corner — I’m here. Think of me as your fairy godfather. 🪄✨
Now, let me tell you about my person — Cait (she/her), 25, pansexual.
We became best friends in 2015 and shared a deep connection from the start. In November 2020, our paths finally aligned, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. She’s my heart, my home, and the love of my life. We married in April 2025, and we’re raising the most handsome little boy together — with plans to grow our family even more.
Together, we’ve built a safe, loving home. And now, we want to open that space to you — to anyone who needs love, support, advice, or just someone to talk to.
No matter where you are on your journey, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and you’re welcome here exactly as you are.
Let’s build this rainbow family, hand in hand. 🌈💛
If you ever need a chat, a shoulder, or a cheerleader — we’re here.
Sam Brown Head of family wellbeing & support
Hi, I’m Sam (she/her) and I live in Wakefield with my daughter.
I made the decision to become a parent as a single mum using a donor. I had previously tried to start a family with my ex-fiancé, but when that didn’t work out, I chose to take a different path. I was fortunate to have the support of a trusted donor and became pregnant on my first attempt. After years of difficult relationships and multiple challenges on my journey to motherhood, becoming a mum was something I had long hoped for.
I’m a sociable person and still very much finding my way, but I want to be someone others feel comfortable reaching out to. My journey into motherhood wasn’t easy — I became a mum during Covid, while experiencing homelessness and studying for a degree. Those experiences have shaped who I am today.
I’m passionate about offering support, advice, and a safe, non-judgemental space for others. I struggled on my own for a long time, and I never want anyone else to feel like they have to do the same.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.
Jessie Clare Head of membership & youth SERVICES
Hi, I’m Jessie
Two years ago, I swapped Dudlaaaaay for Sheffield to dive headfirst into family life with my brilliant civil partner and her equally brilliant daughter (now 10). Since then, we’ve added one more to the crew—our cheeky little whirlwind who just turned one. Life’s loud, messy, and absolutely perfect.
I’ve spent the past five years working in the charity sector, mostly with young people in cadet settings. I believe every young person—and every grown-up who missed out—deserves the chance to connect, explore, and feel at home in a space that celebrates who they are.
As a director, I’m here to help build those spaces: playful, welcoming, and full of possibility. Whether it’s muddy boots, shared stories, or belly laughs around a campfire, I’m all in.