ABSTRACT
The unprecedented legal changes in support of lesbian and gay equality in many Western nations across the world have seen many more lesbians, gay men, bisexual, queer and trans/non-binary (LGBT+) persons choosing to have families of their own, whether this be through having birth children, co-parenting or via fostering and adoption. This article summarises the main debates in the field, providing an overview of lesbian, gay and trans/non-binary parenting, as their histories differ and there is evidence from the literature to show that TNB experiences of parenting are distinct from wider lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) experiences. It provides a critique of current fostering and adoption practices, suggesting that, despite these far-reaching legislative changes, social workers continue to assess LGBT+ applicants within a gendernormative and heteronormative framework. Social workers, their managers and educators will need to be more proactive in providing training and opportunities for practice and workforce development. It is the profession itself which needs to take responsibility for making itself aware of the debates on sexual and gender diversity, to develop a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ oppression as part of their practice. A number of implications for policy, practice and research are presented.
