LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges in the perinatal period, including higher rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) due to factors such as minority stress, medical discrimination, and lack of affirming care. Research indicates that LGBTQIA+ parents may experience increased isolation, anxiety, and barriers to support before, during, and after pregnancy. Affirming, inclusive perinatal mental health care is essential in ensuring the well-being of all parents and families. This resource page provides information, support networks, and mental health resources tailored to the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.
Support Groups & Peer Support
PSI - Queer & Trans Parent Support Group: PSI’s Queer & Trans Parent Support Group is FREE and open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are expecting, adopting, and/or parenting from pregnancy to four years postpartum. This group is intended for gestational, non-gestational and foster or adoptive LGBTQIA+ parents.
Family Equity: Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming Parents Virtual Peer Support Space
Parent xHood: A safe space for black queer parents to create deep connections and build support systems for themselves and their families.
Men Having Babies: The Parent / Peer Advice Network was created to allow Gay Surrogacy families to connect with other parents in your region, or with similar characteristics, for advice or social purposes, as well as to offer advice to prospective parents
Books
Lis Regula's Story: Dr. Lis Regula, Biology lecturer at University of Dayton and Advocacy Associate at Men Having Babies, is a trans man who, pre-transition was the surrogate for two LGBT families. YouTube Interview
Online Resources
Resolve: Information and resources on family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, including adoption, foster care, assisted reproductive technologies, and legal considerations. It offers guidance on navigating the emotional, medical, and legal aspects of starting a family.
Connecting Rainbows: Resources for LGBTQIA+ folx starting their families, providing advocacy, education, and compassion. Your sexual orientation, gender identity, race or background should never be a barrier to starting, expanding or protecting your family.
Men Having Babies: A nonprofit organization that provides education, resources, and financial assistance to gay men pursuing parenthood through surrogacy, including guidance on the medical, legal, and ethical aspects of the process. Also has a provider directory.
Family Equity: Family Equality is a nonprofit organization advocating for LGBTQ+ families by providing resources, legal support, and community-building initiatives to promote equality in parenting, family-building, and policy. Also has a family-building directory.
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory: A searchable database that connects LGBTQ+ individuals with affirming healthcare providers across various specialties, ensuring access to inclusive and competent medical care.
Gay Parents to Be: Information on financial assistance options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples pursuing family-building, including grants, charities, and other funding resources for fertility treatments, adoption, and surrogacy.
Daddy2: The Gay Dads Podcast
Elevated Access: A non-profit organization that enables people to access healthcare by providing flights on private planes at no cost. Their volunteer pilot network transports clients seeking abortion or gender-affirming care across the United States.