This resource collection is a collection of research published in the NCFR journals, NCFR Report: Family Focus, CFLE Network, an updated policy brief, and recorded conference sessions. The Journal of Family Theory & Review’s (2016) special issue on Theorizing LGBT-Parent Families explores theoretical developments for LGBTQ-parent families. The Family Relations’ (2018) special issue discusses the Intersectional Variations in the Experiences of Queer Families.

Research on LGBTQ+ individuals and families demonstrates that support and acceptance from immediate family and/or a community, inclusive sexual and mental health services, having policies supporting LGBTQ+ families and individuals, and overall LGBTQ+ friendly family- and work-place environments with a strong support for equality help reduce the risk of negative outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Findings are discussed in the context of theory and intersectionality.

An overarching theme found throughout these resources call for LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and environments. The newly updated NCFR policy brief on LGBTQ+ Parents and Their Children recommends:

• Passage of federal and state legislation (e.g., John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act) to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, education, parenting, and other areas.
• Elimination of religious exemptions in the law that allow for discrimination against members of sexual and gender minorities.
• Increase research funding to explore the full range of experiences among diverse LGBTQ+ parents and their children.
• Provide support for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of effective programs to help LGBTQ+ parents and their children to thrive.

A lack of supportive policies for gender- and sexual- minority individuals and families and discrimination increases the risk for suicide, substance abuse, and depression as well as experiencing poverty and housing and employment discrimination.

Recorded sessions from the NCFR conference discuss LGBTQ+ well-being, community and familial support, and implications for future research with LGBTQ+ community. NCFR Report:  Family Focus and CFLE Network articles provide translational research and implications for practitioners about familial support and mental health services and policies for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Overall, the resource collection covers a large breadth and depth of content on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families and is an excellent tool for students, teachers, and researchers. Keep reading to find read more specific findings related to LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

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