New awareness day for LGBT+ Parents/Carers
Proud 2 b Parents is delighted to announce the launch of a new awareness day for LGBT+ parents and carers on 19th September - and we invite everyone to take part and spread the word!
The day is called “LGBT+ Parents & Carers’ Day” and the date was chosen because it holds historical significance, marking a call for action for lesbian parents in a groundbreaking feminist magazine called Spare Rib in 1976. Looking back at the journey from that time to today enables us to reflect on the huge changes in societal attitudes towards LGBT+ families - but also highlights how much more still needs to be done.
The cover of Spare Rib from 19th September 1976.
The article about lesbian mothers fighting for custody of their children in this issue sparked objective research into the development of children with lesbian parents. This bold step taken by Spare Rib not only confronted prevailing stereotypes about gender roles and parenthood, but also paved the way for a more inclusive understanding of parenting.
The impact of this issue of Spare Rib extended beyond representation; it spotlighted the legal challenges faced by lesbian mothers within the UK. Shockingly they often faced biased court decisions, losing child custody disputes due to societal bias. Courts, swayed by misguided notions that lesbians were ‘unfit parents’, argued against children being raised by lesbian women. This exacerbated LGBT+ inequalities and perpetuated harmful stereotypes surrounding gender development.
Professor Susan Golombok traces this journey through four decades of empirical research in her groundbreaking work, "Modern Families: Parents and Children in New Family Forms”. The book challenges stereotypes and showcases the resilience of non-traditional families.
In the 1970s, the 'nuclear' family was predominant but societal shifts, including advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, rising single-parent families, and the emergence of LGBT+ families, have redefined our understanding of family. Today, 'non-traditional' families outnumber nuclear families, emphasising the richness of diverse family experiences.
Golombok's research consistently highlights a crucial truth – it's the quality of relationships that profoundly impacts family well-being. Whether same-sex parents, solo parents, or families conceived through assisted reproductive technologies, the love, warmth, and commitment of parents are the cornerstones of a thriving family.
Contrary to outdated notions, Golombok's findings reveal that children born through assisted reproduction are raised by highly committed parents, debunking stereotypes that questioned their parenting abilities. The common thread? These children are deeply wanted, often born after overcoming significant hurdles including societal disapproval.
The road to acceptance has been far from smooth. Same-sex parenting was once widely vilified as 'against nature,' and the struggles faced by lesbian mothers in custody battles reflected societal biases. However, societal attitudes have shifted over the years leading to significant legal advancements. LGBT+ individuals can now marry, adopt jointly, and become joint legal parents through assisted reproductive technologies in many progressive societies.
Yet challenges persist. LGBT+ relationships remain criminalised in many parts of the world forcing individuals to live in fear. In other countries, such as Italy, some LGBT+ parents are at risk of being removed from their children’s birth certificates and others must travel abroad in order to become parents via their chosen route.
In the UK, families regularly face anti-LGBT+ comments or negative assumptions when accessing health care or education. Anti-LGBT hate crime continues to rise, and since 2015 the UK has dropped from 1st to 16th in the IGLA Europe Rainbow Map that monitors LGBT+ equality across the continent.
These facts underscore the ongoing importance of awareness and advocacy for LGBT+ Parents and Carers.
Take part on 19th September
Now you know that the chosen date symbolises a pivotal moment in history when the need for understanding and research was recognised, be part of a day that recognises progress, acknowledges challenges, and celebrates the diversity of all families!
Join the conversation on social media using hashtags #LGBTQIAParentsCarersDay and #Proud2bParents - Don’t forget to download our social media pack!
Use your networks to spread awareness about the historical significance of 19th September and the joys and challenges faced by LGBT+ parents/ carers
Book a lunch and learn session for your workplace on the needs of LGBT+ parents/carers and how to forge change and greater inclusion
We can’t wait to celebrate this meaningful day with you in September. By coming together, we can create a positive impact and contribute to a more supportive environment for LGBT+ parents/ carers and our children.
