Pride and Parenthood: Exploring Parenting Paths and Possibilities for the LGBTQ+ Community

For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning individuals—a community often referred to as LGBTQ+—the process of becoming a parent can mean overcoming serious barriers and complications. Here’s what everyone along the healthcare continuum needs to know—and what they can do to make the process more equitable and accessible for all.

It was more than 40 years ago, that a gay couple was able to jointly adopt a child in California. Since then, much has changed for the 7.2%1 of Americans who identify as LGBTQ+ in terms of societal acceptance and their legal rights as parents. The journey toward equity and equality is far from over. Consider, for example, that two-thirds of respondents in a recent survey of gay fathers said they had experienced stigma, or that in 34 states, a non-gestational parent is only clearly recognized if the couple is married. . . .