Are your kids getting nervous or excited about going back to school in June? Some are getting anxious ...

1 in 7 adoptions in England in 2019 were to same-sex couples. But LGBT+ applicants still have an expectation of discrimination. 

A word from...... James Lawrence, Communications & Engagement Manager

On 21 June the UK will again mark Father’s Day. While the celebration is usual in a traditional family model, these days have been made to adapt for modern 21^st century Britain – with our LGBT+ dads often celebrating it as Fathers’ day instead. Similarly, our LGBT+ mums, moms, mommies marked Mothers’ Day on 22 March.

For our members these days are about celebrating the role of parenting and the difference children make to all of their lives. While critics of LGBT+ people adopting and fostering often argue that a child ‘needs a mother and a father’ this ignores the range of influences an LGBT+ person can bring to parenting. It also overlooks the fantastic work many single parents do to make sure all of the chores are done, as well as to provide the emotional support and love the child needs.

Mothers’ and fathers’ day can present specific potential problems for LGBT+ parents of school-aged children. More traditional schools may insist that a child produces a card for dad on fathers’ day, but this can easily be changed to be a card for a significant male adult in the child’s life – and vice versa for on mothers’ day if the child is parented by two dads. While some schools struggle to adopt this simple change, others are more flexible, recognising the need to acknowledge that their pupils now come from a range of families.

Ultimately the days are best used when recognising the strengths and support a parent brings to the family. So whether your family marks Fathers’ Day or not, try to find time to celebrate your family and affirm the love and stability it brings to you all.