Our Families and Kids

Children of LGBTQ and Non-Traditional Families

The majority of the children and youth we serve, approximately 85%, come from LGBTQ-headed households. We receive lots of questions about what an LGBTQ family looks like.  Our families, like all other families, vary from one another and at times can be complex. It’s not often as simple as having two dads or two moms.

Here is a glimpse, a list that is by no means exhaustive, of the forms our families may take:

• Children born into a heterosexual family, where one parent is LGBTQ or later “comes out” as LGBTQ
• Adoption to bring children and youth into a family headed by LGBTQ parents
• Children born into a family with LGBTQ parents, most likely conceived through artificial insemination (known or unknown donor) or surrogacy
• Single-parented LGBTQ families
• Families with three or more co-parents, at least one of whom is LGBTQ, caring for children
• A mixed orientation relationship or marriage where an LGBTQ person and heterosexual person co-parent 
• Families with a trans or two-spirit parent
• A lesbian mom and gay dad who co-parent, with or without their respective partners

LGBTQ Youth

Some of the children and youth we serve, around 10%, identify as LGBTQ.  Our kids who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning tend to be in their early to late teens.  Those who identify as trans span all of the ages we serve ranging from 8-17.

Kids of LGBTQ Families Who Are LGBTQ, Too

Around 5% of the children and youth we serve are both LGBTQ and have LGBTQ parents. 

A new term being used to describe this group is “second generation.”  We’re not sure if the term will stick, however, as some children of LGBTQ families who are now adults will let you know that they definitely came out way before their parents did.