Proud 2 b Parents are excited to announce the upcoming launch of
LGBT+ Parents and Carers Day on 19th September 2024: a day dedicated to developing awareness, representation, and acknowledgment of our vibrant community: LGBT+ parents/carers, and our children.
Why is it important to celebrate LGBT+ Parents and Carers?
LGBTQ+ parents and carers remain highly underrepresented across all sectors, in mainstream media and pop culture. This not only means that LGBTQ+ parents and carers, and indeed the children themselves, don’t see themselves reflected in society, but also causes a lack of understanding and visibility for the unique triumphs and challenges that LGBT+ Parents and Carers face.
Why 19th September?
The historical importance of 19th September is deeply rooted in challenging the status quo. Spare Rib, a groundbreaking feminist magazine, covered a grave injustice faced by lesbian parents on this date in 1976.
This issue of Spare Rib highlighted the legal challenges faced by lesbian mothers in the UK. Shockingly, they often faced biased court decisions and lost child custody disputes due to the societal bias prevalent at the time; that lesbian mothers were unfit parents. These court decisions also perpetuated harmful stereotypes surrounding child development that children need a ‘mum’ and a ‘dad’.
The impact of this issue extended far beyond representation. It also sparked research by
Professor Susan Golombok into the development of children with lesbian mothers. This bold step not only confronted those harmful stereotypes, but paved the way for a more inclusive understanding of LGBT+ parenting over the coming decades.
This day serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by our community. It reinforces our commitment to breaking free from harmful stereotypes and developing a society that embraces diversity in all its forms.
** Information courtesy of Proud 2 b Parents How can I support LGBT+ Parents and Carers Day?
1. Read up! Check out the work of our friends at
Proud 2 b Parents and read up on the joys and challenges faced by LGBT+ Parents and Carers. It's a great way to start broadening your knowledge so you can best support others.
2. Join the conversation on social media Social media support is a great way to spread awareness and help others to share their stories, feel seen and find support. Don’t forget the hashtags #LGBTQIAParentsCarersDay and #Proud2bParents!
3. Book a launch and learn session Could your workplace benefit from learning about the challenges faced by LGBT+ parents and carers?
Book a lunch and learn session for your workplace on the needs of LGBT+ parents/carers and how to forge change and greater inclusion.
3. Donate to Proud 2 b Parents and other LGBT+ Parent and Carer organisations Making a donation, no matter how small, can make a huge difference. Join us on LGBT+ Parents/Carers Day to stand united, celebrate diversity, and pave the way for a future where our community is seen, heard, and fully acknowledged. Together, we can create lasting change and build a more inclusive world for LGBT+ parents, carers, and their children.
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