Top Resources for LGBTQ+ Parents
March 22, 2022The matter of LGBTQ+ parenting is still a universal topic of discussion. With homosexuality still being criminalized in over 70 countries and many homophobes believing that gay parents are no fit to raise a child, starting a family can be a tricky situation for many members of the community across the globe. Thankfully, a person’s sexual orientation has nothing to do with his or her ability to be a good parent. However, as same-sex couples are unable to reproduce in the way their straight counterparts do and also face a lot of restrictive legislation, becoming a parent is not an easy task if you are LGBTQ+. Here are some useful resources to help you get started.
Professional organizations have something to say
Many leading child welfare, psychological and health organisations have released statements on how they think a children’s right to a nurturing home should have nothing to do with their parents’ sexual orientation. This support provides confidence for same-sex couples to have the same medical and social treatment as straight couples do. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued that “children deserve to know that their relationships with both of their parents are stable and legally recognized. This applies to all children, whether their parents are of the same or opposite sex”. The U.S.’s National Adoption Center also includes a policy on how “no person should be denied consideration in the adoption process solely based on marital status, sexual orientation, lifestyle, disability, physical appearance, race, gender, age, religion and/or size of family”.
Networks around the world are here to help you
There are networks dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community and organizations working on diversity and inclusion all over the world that will provide a safe place and repository of information for you. The LGBTQ Parenting Network, for example, provides practical, impactful programming and support for queer people looking to start parenthood. Here at myGwork aim to empower LGBTQ+ peers on finding safe information, events and news regarding the community, namely when it comes to starting a family.
Get to know other families online
Digital technology has created a wide range of possibilities when it comes to communicating and connecting people, on the one hand, and creating content, on the other. ‘Vlogging’ has been a personal favourite of a lot of content creators recently and this has become no exception in the LGBTQ+ community. The following YouTube channels show their experience as same-sex couples raising a family and can be a great vehicle for you to get some information. If you’re interested, you can even reach out to some of them to obtain some tips:
Dive into some queer reading
Last but not least, literature might be your best friend when it comes to obtaining information regarding LGBTQ+ parenting. For decades, several publishers have dedicated their work to highlighting the need for support when it comes to same-sex couples raising a family. Gay Parent Magazine, for example, has been a leader in resources for gay parenting since 1998. We Are Family Magazine is also an outstanding platform for social change, representing LGBTQ+ in a family context through positive representation, advice, support, activism and signposting.
On Wednesday 23 March this week, the LGBTQ+ business platform myGwork will host a discussion on LGBTQ+ parenting. Click here to find out more about the free event and register.