Embracing Lived Experience: My Journey with Proud 2 b Parents
In the ever-evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ fostering and adoption in England, one aspect stands out as both profoundly impactful and deeply personal - delivering lived experience training for Proud 2 b Parents. My journey into this area has been a passionate and rewarding one, filled with purpose and driven by a desire to make a real difference. In this blog post, I want to share my experiences, my reasons for loving this work, and the achievements I've witnessed both professionally and personally.
The Beginnings
My journey into LGBTQ+ fostering and adoption advocacy began with a realisation - the power of lived experience. Having navigated the complexities of the fostering and adoption system as a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I understood the unique challenges and opportunities it presented. It also led me to want to create positive change in the system, at scale. With this in mind I connected with various organisations including CoramBAAF, The Fostering Network and the Adoption and Fostering Alliance in Scotland. It was my passion that drove me to work on projects and resources with the aim of creating a truly equitable foster care and adoption system. We are not there yet - but we are on the right path.
Why I Love It
Delivering lived experience training for Proud 2 b Parents is a deeply fulfilling role for several reasons:
Empowerment: Through sharing my own experiences, I empower prospective LGBTQ+ foster carers and adopters to navigate a system that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Seeing their confidence grow is immensely rewarding.
Breaking Stereotypes: Lived experience training challenges stereotypes and prejudices that may exist within the fostering and adoption process. It encourages a more inclusive and open-minded approach.
Creating a Supportive Community: By connecting with LGBTQ+ individuals who aspire to foster or adopt, we're building a supportive community where people can share their concerns, questions, and triumphs. This sense of belonging is invaluable.
Impact on Children: Ultimately, this work has a direct impact on the lives of children in need of loving homes. By promoting diversity in foster and adoptive families, we're ensuring that more children find safe and caring environments.
The Passion That Drives Me
Passion is the driving force behind my commitment to Proud 2 b Parents. It's the passion to create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are celebrated as loving and capable parents. It's the passion to advocate for children's rights to be placed in homes where they will be cherished and nurtured, regardless of their caregivers' sexual orientation or gender identity.
My Achievements
Through my involvement in lived experience training, I've witnessed numerous achievements, both professionally and personally:
Policy Change: Our collective efforts have contributed to policy changes and guidelines that are more inclusive of LGBTQ+ foster carers and adopters. Including Practice note 69 Assessing and Supporting Trans Adopters and Foster Carers
Changed Lives: I've seen firsthand the transformation in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals who once felt excluded or discouraged from fostering or adopting but are now proud parents, providing loving homes to children in care.
Greater Awareness: The organisations I've collaborated with have helped raise awareness about LGBTQ+ fostering and adoption issues, leading to more informed discussions and actions.
Personal Growth: On a personal level, this work has been a journey of growth, self-discovery, and resilience. It has reaffirmed my belief in the power of advocacy and the difference the communities voice can make.
My Unique Perspective
In addition to my work with Proud 2 b Parents, I serve as an Engagement Manager in social care and hold the position of Director in an organisation dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth in care, further extending my reach and impact in the field.
Delivering lived experience training for Proud 2 b Parents has been an incredible journey, one that I am immensely proud of. It's a journey fueled by passion, love, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world for LGBTQ+ individuals who want to become foster carers and adoptive parents. Together, we are breaking down barriers and making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across England, all while celebrating the beauty of diverse families, including my own.
