I’m LGBTQ+ – can I still foster?

If you are considering fostering as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you might be wondering if you will have to overcome any systemic and societal barriers.

Despite being a legally protected group, this community still faces stigma regarding families and parenting. Beacon Fostering encourages people of all sexualities to consider fostering, so here are some truths about LGBTQ+ fostering.

Family template

Many traditionalists believe that children should be raised by a mother and father, and that same-sex parents will be psychologically harmful to children.

However, this is far from the truth, and studies have actually shown that there’s no difference in children raised by a same-sex couple and ones raised by a man and woman. Furthermore, gay and lesbian couples contribute to the challenging of gendered roles in the home, subsequently promoting shared responsibilities in a household.

Systemic barriers

Although Section 28 (which banned the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in UK schools) was repealed in 2003 in England, there was still resistance towards same-sex couples fostering and adopting. Some politicians proposed that LGBTQ+ foster couples should only be considered as a last resort, while organisations such as the Christian Institute distributed pamphlets claiming that LGBTQ+ people would harm a child’s development.

However, the number of LGBTQ+ foster carers began to grow in the 2000s, with agencies working with LGBTQ+ organisations to achieve this.

Children raised by same-sex couples will be bullied

Due to society being more accepting of LGBTQ+ people in recent years, children are inheriting less prejudice from their parents, thanks to inclusive media and conversations raising awareness of this community. What’s important is how the carers handle cases of bullying if it happens.

If you’re looking for extra support in your foster care journey, reach out to Beacon Fostering and our inclusive network today.