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Hi Also-Known-As Community,
It’s hard to believe that Also-Known-As’s 30th anniversary celebration has come and gone so quickly. I’m still holding so much gratitude for the cherished time together, core memories cultivated, and for every individual who helped bring this milestone to life.
Thank you to everyone who traveled from near and far to join us – and to all of the 30th planning committee, programming committee, contributors, volunteers, sponsors, donors, Advisory Board, and Board of Directors. Your care, intention and presence made this moment unforgettable.
This community continues to grow, breathe, and expand because of our founder, Hollee McGinnis and the incredible collective founding members’ vision which rooted us, the many decades of leaders who have powerfully carried it forward, and all who continue to step in courageously. We couldn’t have gotten here without the village that makes this community so special.
Top: 30th anniversary planning committee, co-chaired by Marissa Martin & Mike Mullen. Below left: past and present board members. Below right: founding members. (All 30th anniversary photos by Julie Thompson)
This community has unequivocally changed my world. I am continually humbled and in awe of the resilience, strength and community care that is fostered within. At the 30th anniversary I shared that I’ve made the difficult decision to step down at the end of this programming term.
Serving the Also-Known-As community over the past four years on the Board alongside some of the best people out there has been one of the greatest gifts of a lifetime ~ and I’m so looking forward to seeing how it continues to grow, and all of the impact that will be revealed ahead.
I am beyond thrilled to announce that Sara Crayne-Dedrick will serve as our President, and Emily Flynn will serve as our Vice President beginning in August 2026! Please join me in congratulating them ~~ I have the utmost trust and confidence in the future direction of the organization under the entire 2026-2027 Board of Directors’ leadership as they continue to pave the way for many generations to come.
Lindsay Geier passing the baton to Sara Crayne-Dedrick
Incoming 2026-2027 president Sara Crayne-Dedrick
We hope to see you at our upcoming May and June events, and as we close out the term at our annual picnic on June 13th.
In solidarity, compassion and care,
Lindsay Geier 涂婷
Come close out the last session of the season! This in-person series explores the lived experiences of adopted individuals who identify as men, carving out a safe space to explore issues related to masculinity and adoption. Led by Ryan Dritz, LCSW.
When: Monday, May 11 (6-8 pm)
Where: 115 W 27 St, 6th fl, NYC
Who: Male-identifying adoptees
Cost: Donation requested
Join us for a Queens food crawl! We’ll be hopping to some of our favorite neighborhood spots (final lineup coming soon and will be shared with all who RSVP). Come ready to eat, explore, and hang with us all afternoon…until full :)
When: Saturday, May 16 (12 pm)
Where: Meet at Kora Bakery to start (45-12 Greenpoint Ave, Sunnyside, NY 11104)
Cost: Pay your own way; note some vendors will be cash-only
For those of us who identify as neurodivergent, the overlap with being an adopted person can feel like a compounding experience. We’ll gather to connect on what it’s like to live with ADHD, be a person on the autism spectrum, or otherwise have a brain that works differently, while exploring the links between adoption, neurodiversity, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Look out for an RSVP link on our Instagram.
When: Friday, June 5 (evening)
Where: 115 W 27 St, 6th fl, NYC (to be confirmed)
Who: Neurodiverse adoptees
Cost: Free, donations encouraged
Come hang out with the community and help us close out the 2025-2026 term at one of our most popular events every year (and our very last for the season). Catch up with friends, make new connections, and enjoy free eats, raffles, and fun. Newcomers, friends, and family welcome!
Please join us by 12:15 pm for speeches & big announcements!
When: Sat, June 13 (11 am-3 pm)
Where: SW Corner of Prospect Park (Machate Circle)
Who: Community, friends, family
Cost: Free
April 16-19, 2026 | With permission from our contributors
📹 30th Anniversary Tribute Video (30 Years, 30 Stories)
Major thank you to Youngsun for sharing your talents in bringing this legacy project to life & to the 30 amazing individuals who shared parts of their stories.
💬 Hollee McGinnis Speech & Lindsay Geier Speech
Also-Known-As 30th Anniversary banquet dinner at Golden Unicorn, April 18 (by Julie Thompson)
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