Today marks the anniversary of a legal victory that changed the lives of families across Pennsylvania and we pause in gratitude to remember two extraordinary individuals who made it possible.

Joey and Jeff Grego were more than partners, they were steadfast, devoted adoptive parents who built their family through Adoptions From The Heart. Their journey began with love, but it quickly became a fight for justice, not only for themselves, but for pediatric protections and legal equality for LGBTQ+ families everywhere.

In the late 1990s, Pennsylvania’s laws denied second-parent status to non-biological parents in same-sex relationships. Putting children at risk of losing access to vital benefits like health care, life insurance, inheritance rights, and security in the event of parental loss. Joey and Jeff refused to accept a system that forced families to operate in legal limbo.

A Landmark Legal Battle

Joey and Jeff Grego’s dream of becoming recognized joint parents led them into the courtroom. When a lower court denied their request in Erie County, and the Superior Court upheld that decision in 2000, the Gregos didn’t relent. They appealed, and their case made it to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

On August 20, 2002, the Court ruled unanimously in the Grego’s favor, delivering a groundbreaking decision: same-sex partners can jointly adopt, overturning the unjust precedent that had left countless families vulnerable. Chief Justice Stephen Zappala called the Superior Court’s earlier ruling “absurd,” affirming that nothing in the law prohibited two unmarried partners, regardless of sex, from adopting a child together. (eriegaynews.com, 2002)

Suddenly, LGBTQ+ families across Pennsylvania could move forward with confidence, knowing their families would be legally protected, recognized, and honored, just like any other. Thanks to the Gregos, the doors opened wide for adoption equality across the state. (Philadelphia Gay News, 2012)

Joey and Jeff were named Philadelphia Gay News’ People of the Year in 2002. An honor that recognized their bravery and the lives their actions helped reshape. Their legacy extends beyond the courtroom. They inspired parents, lawyers, and lawmakers to keep pushing forward on behalf of LGBTQ+ equality.

AFTH is profoundly grateful to the Gregos for paving the way. Their courage transformed adoption law and set a new standard of acceptance and protection for families, especially adoptive LGBTQ+ families. Their fight was not for recognition alone; it was for the love, stability, and well-being of children.

Remembering Joey Grego

On August 5, 2025, Joey passed away at the age of 69. His passing marks a moment for reflection, not only of his role in legal history, but of his life as a father, partner, advocate, and friend. AFTH honors Joey for his unwavering dedication to love, equality, and above all, his children.

We remember Joey and Jeff Grego, not just as legal pioneers, but as parents and guardians of love. Their story reminds us that the fight for justice often begins quietly, in everyday love, and flourishes into something beautiful when people refuse to give up.

Today, on the anniversary of their historic win, we celebrate their legacy. We carry forward their courage, their love, and our continued commitment to making adoption accessible and fair for all families.

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