ABSTRACT

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) parented families face risks and challenges in schools, such as having their families devalued in the classroom and managing myths and stereotypes about their families. Several factors may explain why school staff may be unaware of the sexual identities and familial constellations that exist within the families of their students. One may be that parents are purposefully concealing their identities due to fear of discrimination and a desire to protect their children from harassment or mistreatment. One obstacle for parents who are LGBTQ is the wide range of myths, misconceptions, and prejudices about LGBTQ parenting. In general, all LGBTQ persons are faced with societal questioning of the legitimacy of their so-called lifestyle. Using appropriate language and terminology is an important way to convey an inclusive message to parents who are LGBTQ. An interesting application of law regarding LGBTQ parents and their children involves the recommended inclusion of diverse family constellations in school curriculum.