Infertility and childless folks are all around us, but we rarely get the opportunity to capture the spotlight or celebrate reunions and anniversaries. Before I get into a powerful in-person reunion, first up is a giveaway you want won’t to miss. Longtime bloggers from LifeWithoutBaby contacted me. Indeed, Kismet! Their email led to several other re-connections, including one with Dr. Marni Rosner who coincidentally wrote asking for reading recommendations for those facing infertility and childless difficulties during upcoming holidays.
Infertility and Childless Holiday Giveaway
So, it’s the 10-year anniversary of a wonderful ebook, Holiday Companion – Inspiration and Encouragement to get you through a childless holiday season. In honor of this milestone and thanks to the generosity of long-time wonderful writers and bloggers Lisa Manterfield and Kathleen Guthrie Woods, the giveaway on Amazon will run from Friday, October 27, through Tuesday, October 31.
Now take a moment and download it. Gain support and validation of infertility and childless challenges. I’ll wait …
10-Year Reunion – Infertility and Childless Survivors
There is no greater gift in life than to be seen, heard and valued. So, it was positively wonderful to be able to share in the North American premier of Irina Vodar‘s documentary Anything You Lose. What made this reunion Oct. 7 in Los Angeles particularly special is that it came 10 years after I first met Irina in New York City.
This shot (right) captures what has often felt like an exhausting and endless crawl to reach several goals:
- to bring new awareness and visibility to the experience of failed IVF;
- to elevate the conversation about those who experience infertility and childless challenges;
- celebrate the contributions and creations from the childless not by choice community — whether films, books, art and policy initiatives
People Without Children in Media and Cultural Narratives
On that last goal, it was wonderful to also meet Christine Erickson, founder of New Legacy Institute (NLI), in person, in Los Angeles. NLI “envisions a world in which people without children are socially valued, treated equitably in workplaces and public institutions, supported by public policy, and accurately reflected in media and cultural narratives.”
It was truly an honor to spend the day with Irina and Christine, and begin a discussion about our collaborations and shared goals.
Christine and others who watched Irina’s film provided reactions and takeaways, which you can watch here.
You can also hear some of the post-film panel discussion with me and Irina with clips here and here.
Now, if you live in or near New York City or Berlin, you can catch a screening of Anything You Lose. In NYC November 5, it’s showing at the Big Apple Film Festival. Ticket details here for both NYC on 11/5 and Berlin in March 2024. Follow Irina’s Instagram account for more video clips and insights on her work.
