Marriage and Family Issues for LGBT People

APA

• Who me? Marry?  
  Psychologists weigh in on how the changing landscape of same-sex marriage may be affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. 
  Monitor on Psychology^® , May 2014

• Answers to Your Questions About Same-Sex Marriage  
  With so much attention to marriage for same-sex couples playing out in the public policy arena, as well as around water coolers, kitchen tables and in classrooms, what does the science have to say about such relationships? Who is affected and how? And why is it so important? This resource is an introduction to these common questions.

• Lesbian and Gay Parenting  
  Includes a summary of research findings on lesbian mothers, gay fathers and their children; an annotated bibliography of the published psychological literature; and additional resources relevant to lesbian and gay parenting.

Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues

• Fact Sheet on Lesbian and Gay Parents (PDF, 40KB)opens in new window

• Fact Sheet on Psychological and Social Outcomes for Children of Same-Sex Couples (PDF, 41KB)opens in new window

• Fact Sheet on Sexual Identity Development of Children Raised by Gay and Lesbian Parents (PDF, 39KB)opens in new window

• Fact Sheet on Same-Sex Couples and U.S. Marriage Legislation (PDF, 45KB)opens in new window

• Fact Sheet on the Defense of Marriage Act (PDF, 90KB)opens in new window

U.S. Health and Human Services

• Child Welfare Information Gatewayopens in new window connects child welfare and related professionals to comprehensive information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families.

Research and Reports

• Protecting the Rights of Transgender Parents and their Children: A Guide for Parents and Lawyersopens in new window  
  A Joint Publication of the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Center for Transgender Equality

• All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families  
  Released by the Movement Advancement Projectopens in new window, Center for American Progressopens in new window and the Family Equality Councilopens in new window. A groundbreaking report about the 2 million children being raised by LGBT parents in the United States. Summaryopens in new window.

• LGBT Families of Color: Facts at a Glanceopens in new window
  A brief based on All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families that examines how the intersection of inequitable laws, social stigma and race-based discrimination collide in ways that create significant challenges for LGBT families of color.

APA

• Resolution on sexual orientation, gender identity (SOGI), parents and their children (PDF, 99KB)opens in new window
  APA is committed to ending the minority stress, social stigma, prejudice, discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals through our leadership, practice, research, education and training. Adopted by the APA Council of Representatives February 2020.

• Child Custody or Placement  
  The sex, gender identity or sexual orientation of natural, or prospective adoptive or foster parents should not be the sole or primary variable considered in custody or placement cases. Adopted by the APA Council of Representatives on September 2 and 5, 1976.

• Transgender, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Nondiscriminationopens in new window  
  APA is committed to ending the prejudice and discrimination based on demographic characteristics including gender identity and expression and urges the repeal of discriminatory laws through our leadership, practice, research, education, training and collaboration with other organizations. Adopted by the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives August 2008.

American Academy of Pediatrics

• Promoting the Well-Being of Children Whose Parents are Gay or Lesbian 
  opens in new window The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement in support of same-sex marriage says that allowing gay and lesbian parents to marry if they so choose is in the best interests of their children. March 2013. 

APA has filed a number of briefs in contested child custody cases involving lesbian or gay parents, in second parent adoption cases for same-sex couples and in cases related to marriage rights for same-sex couples.