Parents of lgbtq

What is LGBTQIA+?

LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Why family and community support are important

• million 13–18 year-olds identify as LGBTQIA+ as estimated by the U.S. Census. (Approximately % of the population of that age group.)
• million 19–24 year-olds identify as LGBTQIA+ as estimated by the U.S. Census. (Approximately % of the population of that age group.)
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among juvenile people and
• LGBTQIA+ youth are 4x more likely to seriously consider suicide, to plan for suicide, and to attempt suicide than their straight peers.

Nearly 34, LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of completed The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQIA+ Youth Mental Health survey:

• 45% seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months with 14% attempting suicide (over 4, youth)
• 73% reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disor

  LGBTQ Families

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  State Religious Exemption Laws

  State religious exemption laws permit people, churches, non-profit organizations, and sometimes corporations to seek exemptions from state laws that burden their religious beliefs. These laws have recently been used as a defense when businesses discriminate against or refuse service to LGBTQ customers and same-sex couples.

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  Medical Decision-Making Policies

  Medical decision-making policies govern whether an LGBTQ person can make medical decisions for their same-sex partner or spouse, if their partner or spouse is incapacitated or otherwise not adj to make their own decisions.

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  Family Quit Laws

  State family exit laws covering same-sex couples govern whether an LGBTQ person can take quit from work to care for his/her same-sex spouse or partner.

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  Foster and Adoption Laws

  Foster care non-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ foster parents from discrimination by foster care agencies and officials. Some states explicitly restrict foster care by same-se
  

  More than million LGBTQ adults are parenting children under the age of 18

  A new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA College of Law finds that 18% of LGBTQ people, roughly million adults, are parenting children under the age of 18 in their households. The examine also finds that about 14% of same-sex couples (, couples) and almost one in five married same-sex couples (18% or , couples) are parenting minors in their homes.

  Among parents, same-sex couples adopt (21%), foster (4%), and have stepchildren (17%) at significantly higher rates than different-sex couples (3%, %, 6%). Approximately 35, same-sex couples parenting minors have adopted, and 6, are fostering children. Notably, 24% of married same-sex couples hold adopted a minor compared to 3% of married different-sex couples.

  This report uses multiple data sources to provide parenting rates and sociodemographic characteristics of LGBTQ parents in the United States. The current report focuses specifically on LGBTQ people who are parents of children under the age of 18 living in their homes.

  Results show that approximately 5
  

  LGBTQ Parenting in the US

  Family Formation and Stressors

  • Overall, 47% of partnered LGBTQ parents are in a same-gender or transgender-inclusive partnership; however, the majority of cisgender lesbian/gay parents are vs. 10% of cisgender bisexual/queer parents.
  • 78% of LGBTQ parents became parents through current or previous sexual relationships, 20% through stepparenthood, and 6% through adoption.
  • Among parenting households, same-sex couples adopt (21%), foster (4%), and have stepchildren (17%) at significantly higher rates than different-sex couples (3%, %, 6%).
    • Notably among parents, 24% of married same-sex couples have adopted a child versus 3% of married different-sex couples.
  • Approximately 35, same-sex couple parents contain adopted children, and 6, are fostering children. The majority of these couples are married.
  • Among all LGBTQ parents, approximately 57, are fostering children (%). Less than half of these parents are married.
  • Approximately 30% of LGBQ parents are not legally recognized or are unsure about their legal status as the parent/guardian of at least one chi