LGBTQ-Parent Families and Schools

Children are influenced by multiple contexts, including their families and schools. Yet research on children with LGBTQ parents has rarely attended to their school experiences. The lack of research on the family-school interface of LGBTQ-parent families is troubling, in that these families are vulnerable to marginalization and stigma in their broader communities, which may extend to the school environment. This chapter reviews research on children with LGBTQ parents, with particular attention to those domains that are most relevant to teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. We address research on the academic achievement, social functioning, and bullying of children with LGBTQ parents. We also discuss research on LGBTQ parents themselves, including their experiences selecting and interacting with their children’s schools. Where relevant, we emphasize race/ethnicity, social class, and other social locations with respect to their role in shaping LGBTQ-parent families. We end with practical recommendations for educators for creating an inclusive environment for these families.