Mental health for LGBTQ+ family building can be supported by acknowledging shared challenges like uncertainty and grief, seeking professional counselling for complex logistics, and finding community through organisations, online groups, and advocacy.
Building a strong support system with partners and accepting your own feelings of overwhelm or stress are crucial, as is the external support provided by inclusive community resources and supportive family members.
Navigating Your Emotional Journey
Acknowledge feelings:
It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or to experience grief during the family-building process, especially with its added complexities for LGBTQ+ individuals. These feelings can coexist with excitement and hope.
Communicate with your partner:
Expect and navigate conflict with your partner or co-parent, which is a common part of the process.
Seek professional support:
Consider fertility clinics' recommendations for professional counselling, especially for processes like donor conception or surrogacy. It can help process emotions related to the unique complexities of your journey.
Find your community:
Connect with other LGBTQ+ families to share experiences and gain validation.
Organisations:
Look for LGBTQ-inclusive fertility support groups offered by organisations like RESOLVE, Family Equality, or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's LGBTQ Special Interest Group.
Online groups:
Explore online forums like Facebook groups and Reddit threads for solidarity.
Advocate for change:
Participate in advocacy efforts to improve access to family-building care for everyone.
Support from Family and Allies
Prioritise support:
Family support is a protective factor for LGBTQ+ youth, associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of parental acceptance for both current and future parents.
Be an ally:
If you are an ally, support can be shown by listening without judgment, respecting identity, and challenging discrimination.
Educate yourself:
Access resources from organisations like PFLAG and The Trevor Project to understand LGBTQ+ experiences.
