Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Families and Their Children

SYLVIA KAY FISHER, SUSAN EASTERLY AND KATHERINE J. LAZEARFamilies headed by at least one gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) parent have become increasingly common in today’s society. LGBT families present an additional family structure in society, and although there always have been same-sex parents, estimates suggest that as many 6 million children are being raised by LGBT parents (BNA, 1987; AAP, 2002). Accordingly, these estimates represent a large population of families with specialized and idiosyncratic family structures and concomitant issues that sometimes necessitate clinical interventions from culturally and linguistically competent professionals who are knowledgeable about the needs and concerns of LGBT families.