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GLBT Families

In GLBT families, children are parented by a lesbian, gay, or transgender single parent or two gay, lesbian, or transgender parents.

Did You Know?

  • The 2000 U.S. census estimated that 163,879 households with children were headed by same-sex couples. This number is likely to be much higher today. 1

  • Like families headed by heterosexual parents, gay and lesbian families are a diverse group. Unlike heterosexual parents, however, gay and lesbian parents and their children are often subject to prejudice, which can result in negative outcomes through no fault of their own. 2

    • Consider the tips below to help you raise successful kids.
  • Sometimes kids in non-traditional families feel different from their peers. Keep a conversation going with them about what (if anything) they feel is unusual, different or “embarrassing” about your family. Gentle, open, non-judgmental conversation—and reminding them of the “new normal” of family life these days—can help them negotiate their experience.
    • Learn more about positive family communication >
  • Try to develop and maintain connections to family and friends with all different forms of family. This helps both us and our kids see how many family structures can work and support one another.
    • Learn how to create a supportive team of caring adults to help your child grow up well >
  • Create a family tree art project together with your kids. Use any materials you like—magazines, construction paper, paint, string, objects from nature. Label by name the many folks involved in your kids’ histories. Let the “branches” be as multiple and “crazy” as necessary to include everyone—parents, grandparents, siblings of all varieties, aunts, uncles, friends, pets, second cousins’ divorced husbands with the cool car. Everyone. Then display it, step back, and enjoy the beauty together.
    • Get more family fun activity ideas >
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    1. Dingfelder, S. F. “The kids are all right: Research shows that families headed by gay and lesbian parents are as healthy as traditional families, but misperceptions linger”. Monitor on Psychology (APA), 36 (11), 66, (2005). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/dec05/kids.aspx.

    2. Patterson, C. J. Lesbian and gay parenting: Lesbian and gay parents and their children: Summary of research findings. Washington, D. C., American Psychological Association, (2012). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/parenting.aspx.