Pride Parenting introduces the world’s first LGBTQ+ family-building certification: the Certificate of Diversity Practices (CODP)
A pioneering accreditation from Pride Parenting is set to revolutionise fertility, adoption, and family-law services, ensuring inclusive parenthood becomes the new global standard.
A Kaleidoscope of Celebration and Advocacy
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the dream of starting a family is both deeply personal and inherently political. Navigating surrogacy laws, finding inclusive fertility care, or approaching adoption agencies can be daunting due to the barriers queer parents-to-be face.
Research published in Reproduction (2024) found that only 59% of UK fertility care providers offered pathways for transgender and non-binary patients, and just 55% provided inclusive information for same-sex couples (He et al., 2024). Other studies highlight that 63% of LGBTQ+ individuals report hurdles accessing fertility or family-building services due to policy restrictions, high costs, or discriminatory attitudes (D’Amore et al., 2025).
Founded by Steve Sohal, CEO of Pride Life Global and Founder of Pride Parenting, CODP is a global accreditation designed to bring accountability, visibility, and genuine inclusivity to the family-building industry.
“We’re creating a gold standard of trust for LGBTQ+ families.”
Steve Sohal, CEO of Pride Life Global and Founder of Pride Parenting
What the CODP Represents
The Pride Parenting Certificate of Diversity Practices (PP-CODP) is the first formal accreditation certifying family-building organisations, from IVF clinics and donor agencies to surrogacy specialists, adoption and fostering services, and family-law professionals, for their inclusivity towards LGBTQ+ families.
Described by Pride Parenting as “the gold standard of excellence”, it acts as a seal of trust for families and allies alike, recognising organisations that embed diversity and inclusion into their core values.
Streamlining the Certification Process
Growing Connections Membership:
Organisations begin by joining Pride Parenting’s professional network, offering education and best-practice resources.
Independent Review:
Providers undergo a rigorous review of accreditations, client agreements, codes of conduct, fee schedules, and client references.
Levels of Accreditation:
Providers can achieve Certified, Advanced, or Gold tiers, reflecting ongoing inclusivity progress.
Signing the Pride Parenting Pledge:
Once verified, organisations sign the Pride Parenting Pledge, reaffirming commitment to equality, education, and inclusive service. Certification is renewed annually.
“The CODP turns inclusivity from an aspiration into an accountable standard.”
Highlighting Advocacy and Impact
Trust is the cornerstone of family-building—and for LGBTQ+ parents, it can be hard-won.
According to The King’s Fund (2024), LGBTQ+ individuals remain underserved due to limited staff training and implicit bias (King’s Fund, 2024). Sexuality Research and Social Policy confirms barriers faced by gay fathers pursuing surrogacy (D’Amore et al., 2025).
CODP ensures measurable commitment to equality. The Seal of Approval reassures families that providers are externally verified, not self-certified.
“Intended parents place enormous trust in us to guide one of the most important journeys of their lives,” says Sohal. “Our certification ensures that trust is earned never assumed.”
Building Inclusive Families, Globally
CODP has already been adopted by leading organisations including Victory Reproductive Care (VRC), La Jolla, and First Steps Fertility, forming a network of Pride Parenting Advocates dedicated to equitable care.
The initiative also engages family-law experts, adoption and fostering agencies, and donor conception specialists. Workshops, peer mentoring, and shared learning ensure certification is ongoing improvement.
“Every question in the certification process begins a conversation about progress.”
The Certification Questionnaire
Providers document:
- History of supporting LGBTQ+ families
- Policies for equality and diversity
- Measures improving access for trans and same-sex parents
- Four pillars of inclusive family-building
“We want to celebrate progress, not perfection,” says Steve Sohal. “Every step forward creates safer, more welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ parents.”
A Gold Standard for the Future
CODP ensures families can trust verified providers: You are welcome here. You are recognised. You can trust us with your family story.
“Because every child deserves a home built on love,” adds Sohal, “and every parent deserves a path built on trust.”
Call to Action
Pride Parenting invites healthcare providers, adoption and fostering agencies, legal professionals, policymakers, and allies to join a collective movement. Become part of a world where inclusive family-building is not the exception but the standard. Together, we can ensure every parent is affirmed, every service accountable, and every child welcomed with pride.
- How Verification Works
Membership → Independent Review → Seal of Approval. Renewed annually to ensure evolving inclusivity. - Why Verification Matters
Verification ensures trust, transparency, and accountability. Token gestures are not enough; CODP ensures proven inclusion. - Who Can Apply
Open to fertility/IVF clinics, surrogacy/donor agencies, adoption/fostering services, and family-law specialists. Applicants complete a reflective accreditation process and join the global Advocate network.
Bibliography
- He, C., et al. Mind the Gap: LGBTQ+ Inclusion in UK Fertility Care, Reproduction, 168(6), 2024
- D’Amore, S., et al. The transition to parenthood among gay fathers via surrogacy, Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 2025
- Allen, L., et al. Barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare faced by transgender and gender-diverse people, Reproductive Health Journal, 2024
- The King’s Fund, LGBTQ+ Health Care, 2024
- Pride Life Global, About Pride Life
- Pride Parenting, Certificate of Diversity Practices
