Sibling Social: Our First Family Mixer

On the night of July 9th, Sugar Mouse NYC became exactly what we hoped it would be, a room where people who spend so much of their lives showing up for someone else finally got a room of their own.

This was the first ever Sibling Social, a free after-work mixer created specifically for the siblings, but also, the cousins, aunts, uncles, and family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was founded by Aditya “Adi” Rajan, whose own experience as the sibling of a neurodivergent brother inspired the idea, and whose remarks at 8pm stopped the room, "There's no point in living your life thinking that you're gonna be alone all the time. There's no point."

That's the whole reason this event exists. And on, Thursday evening, it worked. Strangers realized within minutes that they were living the same life. By the end of the night, people were exchanging numbers and asking to start a group chat.

DJ Mac Rascal kept the energy going all night, and Sugar Mouse NYC opened its doors and welcomed this community in with warmth.

What struck us most wasn't the programming. It was what happened between the programming, the conversations at the bar, the recognition in a stranger's eyes, the quiet relief of being in a room full of people who actually get it.

None of this happens without the people who showed up, for the event and for each other. Special thanks to our Event Sponsor, Jean Rawitt. And to everyone who walked through that door, thank you. Especially those who found this event on their own and showed up alone. You are exactly who this was made for.

Adi wholeheartedly stated on stage, "I'm making a space, and I'm gonna keep making a space, because I need it. I'm sure other people need it. And I'm gonna keep being here as long as we all need it.",

The next Sibling Social is coming. If you want to be the first to know, fill out our community form and join the conversation.

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