Parenthood experiences of LGBT+ individuals: a systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to analyze the parenthood experiences of LGBT+ individuals. METHODS: The review was carried out between February and June 2020 and used key words about LGBT+ and/or parenthood, including, “lesbian and mother,” “lesbian and parenthood,” “gay and father,” “gay and parenthood,” and “trans and parenthood,” which were published in databases, such as PubMed, Google Academic, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect. RESULTS: We reviewed 19 research articles, and the majority of these articles suggested that LGBT+s faced negative reactions and discrimination when they decided to become parents. Once they became parents, the relationship of most of the LGBT+ individuals with their partners and the surrounding social environment improved and social support for and self-esteem of the LGBT+ individuals increased. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the heterosexual parents, LGBT+ individuals faced with various problems in their social, family, and professional lives during parenthood. Therefore, they need more family, legal, and social support.