Clark County Historical Museum Presents “The Struggle For Gay And Lesbian Adoption Rights” (Photo) - 05/20/26

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum will host an evening with longtime LGBTQ+ advocates Lynn Grotsky and Lisa Brodoff on Thursday, June 4, 2026, exploring their landmark fight for same sex parenting rights in Washington State.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the presentation beginning at 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, located at 1511 Main Street in Vancouver. The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required.

In 1986, Lisa and her partner Lynn had a child through donor insemination at a time when legal protections for same sex families were uncertain. As the non biological mother, Lynn was not automatically recognized as a legal parent under Washington law. Through a two year court battle, the couple helped secure legal parenting rights not only for themselves, but for same sex couples throughout Washington State.

During this presentation, Grotsky and Brodoff will share their personal journey through the legal system, their work advocating for LGBTQ+ rights from Washington State to Washington D.C., and their continued efforts toward equality and inclusion.

Lisa Brodoff is an emerita professor of law at Seattle University, specializing in elder and disability law. She has worked for more than four decades to expand the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

Lynn Grotsky is a retired Clinical Social Worker and the Cofounder and first director of Pizza Klatch, a nonprofit organization providing school lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ+ youth.

Together for 44 years, Lynn and Lisa continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and community support while living in Lacey, Washington.

Tickets and additional information are available at cchmuseum.org.

This event is sponsored through the generosity of media sponsor The Columbian and through the generosity of Humanities Washington.