ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses solely on the evidence in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people choosing parenthood and the effects on the children they parent. It explains the issues that LGBT people face as they make the decision for becoming parents. One of the challenges in LGBT parenting research is that it is not easy to define groups that would be an appropriate comparison to LGBT parents – and comparing them to a heterosexual parenting population does not lend greater legitimacy either, as there are intrinsic differences. The challenge for social services professionals, especially those interested in competent practice with LGBT parents, is to understand what this finding might mean for the children and their parents. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are in a unique position with respect to adoption and fostering. Social workers will want to explore how the applicant's family of origin has responded to their desire to foster or adopt.
