Family Matters: LGBTQ+ Parents and Families panel recap

myGwork's latest panel, 'Family Matters: LGBTQ+ Parents and Families', offered an insightful discussion on the diverse experiences, challenges, and joys faced by LGBTQ+ parents and carers. Led by Aasha Tikoo, Director of Strategic Partnerships at myGwork, the discussion cast a spotlight on crucial aspects of family building, community support, and societal perceptions.

Matt Taylor-Roberts, CEO of Proud 2 b Parents, shared his journey to parenthood through adoption and fostering, voicing the challenges LGBTQ+ families often encounter in navigating systems that historically lacked understanding.

He expressed that “family is not just about biology but about the love and safety provided by caregivers”. He also highlighted the impact of representation, noting how “visibility is really powerful,” as it helps children recognize that their families are a valued part of diversity and supports their sense of belonging.

Larissa O’Neal, Director of Talent Development at RS Group, spoke about her personal experience raising children in a same-sex relationship. She explained how misconceptions and assumptions, such as the need for traditional family structures, impact LGBTQ+ families. Larissa also stressed the importance of inclusive language in schools and highlighted community initiatives like the Rainbow Roundup in Dallas, which create safe spaces for rainbow families. She emphasized that “greater visibility means it just isn't an exception anymore; it just is,” advocating for systemic changes that normalize diverse family structures in educational environments.

Daniel Gerring, a partner at Travers Smith, recounted his experience of becoming a parent through surrogacy in the US. He addressed the emotional and legal challenges, such as misconceptions at schools and the unequal legal landscape of surrogacy. "The journey is hard, but it's one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

Daniel highlighted the importance of a strong chosen family too, commenting on how community and selected support networks are vital for LGBTQ+ parents.

Chinedu Azinge from The Trade Desk, who has acted as a carer for family members and navigated relationships with children and parents, reflected on how cultural and societal norms shape experiences for LGBTQ+ carers. He spoke of the importance of building supportive communities that challenge heteronormative standards, affirming that “seeing queer families everywhere, on TV, in sports, it normalizes our existence.”

Chinedu also emphasized the necessity for organizational structures that facilitate the inclusion of queer families, especially within schools and workplaces.

Mia Chatterton, Gender Identity Co-Lead at BAE Systems, shared her personal journey as a trans woman and mother. She stressed that “supportive environments and society’s exposure to LGBTQ+ relationships” can accelerate societal acceptance.

"The goal is to normalize families so much that discussions about them become unnecessary," she commented.

Kirsty Lacey, Chief Fulfillment and Resilience Officer at Santander UK, reflected on her experience of building a family through IVF and surrogacy. She advocated for organizations to go beyond mere recognition and actively support financially and emotionally, stating that “support for fertility treatments and adoption is essential for demonstrating true inclusion.”

You can watch the full panel by clicking here.