Poster #117 - Exploring LGBTQ+ Parents Across the Past Three Decades

• In Event: Poster Session 09

Abstract

Estimates reflect that more than 114,000 same-sex couples are raising children in the U.S. (Goldberg & Conron, 2018). Previous research on LGBTQ+ families and parenting has been lacking in multiple areas. More research needs to focus on how LGBTQ+ representation within research can help improve the quality of life among LGBTQ+ families, alongside providing more dated examples of family dynamics that are not rooted in bias. LGBTQ+ parenting faces the impending stereotypes and obstacles posed against LGBTQ+ families that they are incapable of raising functional children. The period from 1990-2019 was one of rapid growth and expansion for research in LGBTQ+ families. Examining the shift in perspectives of research on LGBTQ+ parenting and families is crucial to understanding what is present in current research and also provides insight into the evolving sociopolitical climate that informed the marginalization of LGBTQ+ families that appears in this past research. The goal of this project was to investigate literature on parenting in the LGBTQ+ community to examine how research has shifted over time and identify gaps and goals for future research.

In the preliminary analysis, we examined articles from 1990 to 2019, with keywords including "parents or parenting or parenting resources," "LGBT, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or homosexual." Inclusion criteria were that each article had to be peer-reviewed, fit within the decade researched, and discuss the implications of LGBTQ+ and parenting respectively. For our preliminary analyses, 18 articles were identified, and various themes in each decade were identified.

The themes emerging from the articles analyzed deficit comparison, lack of representation and lack of resources present a clear need for inclusive research on other groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender and bisexual parents, and on resources to inform parenting LGBTQ+ children. The research published in the 1990s reflected a deficit approach by comparing same-sex parenting to opposite-sex parenting. Research in the early 2000s reflected a shift from how LGBTQ+ parents compare to cisgender, opposite-sex parents to focusing on how cisgender, same-sex parents build their families. Research in the 2010s shifted to a more person-centered approach where the focus was on the person as a distinctive individual with unique characteristics and experiences, not just their sexuality. The approach in the more recent research examined specific traits and needs of LGBTQ+ families as the overarching theme throughout history.

As we continue this research, more articles will be identified to be added to the preliminary findings to further investigate parenting in the LGBTQ+ community and examine the implications of LGBTQ+ parenting and its associations with child psychological well-being. Research has yet to focus on the impacts of biases against LGBTQ+ families on the well-being of LGBTQ+ families. Enhancing this research and means of access for parents and analyzing through the lens of child psychological well-being will ultimately provide researchers with a more intersectional lens for approaching diverse LGBTQ+ families.

Authors

• Kassidy Mieses, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  Presenting Author

• Kaitlyn C Rasnick, Virginia Tech

• Cynthia L. Smith, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University