Parenthood experiences of LGBT+ individuals: a systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:This systematic review aims to analyze the parenthood experiences of LGBT+ individuals. METHODS: The review was carried out between February and June 2020 and used key words about LGBT+ and/or parenthood, including, "lesbian and mother, " "lesbian and parenthood, " "gay and father, " "gay and parenthood, " and "trans and parenthood, " which were published in databases, such as PubMed, Google Academic, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect. RESULTS: We reviewed 19 research articles, and the majority of these articles suggested that LGBT+s faced negative reactions and discrimination when they decided to become parents. Once they became parents, the relationship of most of the LGBT+ individuals with their partners and the surrounding social environment improved and social support for and self-esteem of the LGBT+ individuals increased. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the heterosexual parents, LGBT+ individuals faced with various problems in their social, family, and professional lives during parenthood. Therefore, they need more family, legal, and social support.