Events

‘Tis the season for some holiday cheer! You may have come to our holiday parties in the past and this year we can guarantee you it’ll be a total blast! We’re teaming up with our friends at TapHaus33 and inviting adoptees and allies to join us for some festive fun!

TapHaus33 will be the ultimate one-stop shop of festive fun — good food, good drinks, and even better company. Let’s close out the year laughing and celebrating everything we’ve built together.

🥘 Food will be catered.

🍻 Drinks are pay-your-way (outside of a 1 hour open bar)

🎶 Let’s rejoice in end of year community toasts!. You’re not going to want to miss this one!

NOTE: This event is for individuals who are 21 years of age or older.

We are so looking forward to being in community for our Feast Among Friends: An Also-Known-As Friendsgiving event!

The weather is crisp and friendship is in the air! Join us for a cozy afternoon of connection, gratitude, and delicious food as we celebrate Friendsgiving, with our Also-Known-As community!

🥘 Bring a dish to share, and your appetite for both food and friendship

✨ Feel free to bring along any crafts you’re working on. Knitting, sketching, beadwork, you name it!

🀄 And if you know how to play or teach mahjong, we’d love for you to share your skills with the group!

In recognition of National Adoptee Awareness Month, the second session of our Cryin' with Ryan: Exploring the Masculine Self Through Adoption series will aim to confront the often hidden and painful truths that many male-identifying adoptees face: intense feelings of loss, identity confusion, depression and anxiety, suicidality, and substance use.

These challenges are often ignored or silently suffered in isolation. This session intends to create a safe, supportive space where male-identifying adoptees can come together to share their stories, find understanding, and exchange observations. It is a call to acknowledge the severity of these struggles and to ensure that we are not overlooking the urgent mental health crises impacting our community.

Join us for never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes gems from the award-winning documentary Between Goodbyes, followed by a Q&A with the brilliant filmmaker, Jota Mun! This beautifully crafted film has captivated audiences worldwide with its raw and powerful storytelling of the queer adoptee experience and the complex journey of reunion.

This exclusive event is open to adoptees, friends, and allies. For a discounted ticket rate, become an Also-Known-As member today; just head to the membership page on this site.

We’re heading back to Spritzenhaus 33 because some places are just too good for a one-time visit. 😎🍺 Join us for an evening full of brews and bites. Think cozy fall feels, clinking steins, and maybe even a pretzel (or three). 🥨🍂

BONUS: Come dressed in your best flannel. It’s not mandatory, but it is the vibe. 🍁🧣

What do the words “macho” and “masculinity” mean to you? This event will explore the lived experiences of adopted individuals who identify as men, and is intended as a safe space in which to explore issues surrounding masculinity and adoption. Join Ryan Dritz, LCSW, for this inaugural session.

Join us on Thursday, September 18th from 6–8pm at Clinton Hall 36, 16 West 36th Street, NY, NY 10018, for a special happy hour gathering of our adoptee community. Expect a fun evening of games, great company, and delicious food and drinks.

This event also marks the launch of our 30th Anniversary Fundraising Drive. To honor the incredible journey of Also-Known-As, we’re inviting our community to help us reach a symbolic goal:

30 donations of $30 or more to kick off our 30th year. You can give a donation by clicking here.

🎁 Everyone who donates will be entered into a raffle for exciting prizes!

Let’s come together to celebrate the past, reconnect in the present, and invest in the future of our community. Whether it’s by showing up, donating, or both — your support makes this milestone possible.

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Update: Unfortunately, the picnic has been cancelled due to weather.

Dear Community,

After much consideration, we’re deeply disappointed to share that due to tomorrow’s all-day rain forecast 🌧️, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Annual Family and Friends Picnic.

This event is always such a special highlight as it’s a tradition we cherish and a moment to wrap up the year together. We know how much it means to so many of you, and we share in your disappointment. Unfortunately, with the weather and logistics at play, moving forward as planned would mean a compromised experience for everyone.

While we won’t be rescheduling the picnic this year, we want to take a moment to say how deeply we appreciate and admire this community 🙌.. Thank you for another wonderful year! Your support, energy, and presence mean the world to us ❤️.

We appreciate your understanding Stay dry, and we wish you all a safe, restful, and joyful summer!

In community,

Also-Known-As

Come close out our 2024-2025 term with us at our Annual Picnic in Prospect Park. One of our biggest events of the year, community members, family, allies, and newcomers are all welcome (kids and pets, too)!

Mingle with old friends and new connections, enjoy complimentary catering, and soak up a few hours outdoors. Raffle tickets and merch will be available for purchase.

Please RSVP to help us plan, and click the option to volunteer if you’d like to help us set up tables and chairs. (Note: Alcohol is not permitted in NYC parks; those who wish typically gather nearby afterwards.)

Has becoming a parent allowed you to reevaluate what it means to be an adoptee? How has being an adoptee affected you on your own parenting journey? What does parenting as an adoptee mean for your children, the future generation? Come with an open mind and bring your own questions as our very own Heather Gittens, Also-Known-As Advisory Board Member and founder of Huh Healing Hub LLC, Certified Usui Reiki Master and Lecturer at Baruch College leads a insightful panel discussion with fellow Transracial Adoptee Parents, including: acclaimed author/producer/critic Rebecca Carroll; Jessica Luciere, Associate Director of the Family & Community Support Department at Spence-Chapin; and Mike Mullen, former president of Also-Known-As and current AKA Advisory Board member. This event is open to Adoptees and Adoptive parents (current and prospective) only.

🌧️ Should the weather not be in our favor, we’ll notify all RSVPs at least 12 hours in advance to confirm whether the hike is still on.

Get ready to hit the trails with our Also-Known-As community! 🌲👣

Join us for a memorable day on the trails, with former president and an avid lover of hiking, Mike Mullen. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a fun outdoor adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature, meet new people, and make lasting memories. We'll be hiking Pine Meadow Lake, a beautiful 5.7 mile loop (approx. 1,000 ft of elevation gain).

Important:

🚗 Need a ride? If you don’t have access to a car or transportation, let us know in the RSVP form. We’ll do our best to arrange rides from Suffern Train Station to the trailhead, but please plan accordingly if public transport is your main option.

[Optional] Post-Hike Lunch:

Join us after the hike for a casual post-event lunch at Roxanne’s Restaurant. Swing by for some well-earned slices, good conversation, and a relaxed vibe. 🍕