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Reece BJ, Jenkins DL, Folger AC, Shaw DS, Neiderhiser JM, Ganiban JM, Leve LD. Stronger color evasive racial ideologies predict lower likelihood of open adoption placement with same-sex couples. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2024; 9:1270527. [PMID: 39119512 PMCID: PMC11307774 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1270527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Although the adoption rate among same-sex couples has been increasing, limited research has focused on factors influencing decision making related to placing children with such couples, particularly from the standpoint of birth mothers. Additionally, there is a gap in the literature regarding how biases may influence birth mothers' decision to place their child with a same-sex couple. This study sought to examine the association between birth mothers' racial ideologies and their decision to voluntarily place their children with same-sex couples (n = 29) or mother-father couples (n = 354) during the adoption process. Results indicated that birth mothers with stronger color evasive racial attitudes were significantly less likely to place their children with same-sex couples. The need for additional research about the intersections among various forms of bias in the adoption process and the effect of potential interactions between homophobia and racism are discussed. Suggestions for professionals wishing to minimize homophobic and racist bias are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Reece
- Department of Counseling Psychology & Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Diana L. Jenkins
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Austin C. Folger
- Department of Counseling Psychology & Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Daniel S. Shaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jenae M. Neiderhiser
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jody M. Ganiban
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Leslie D. Leve
- Department of Counseling Psychology & Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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Yee S, Mamone AA, Fatima M, Sharon-Weiner M, Librach CL. Parenthood desire, perceived parenthood stigma, and barriers to achieving parenthood in childless sexual minority men. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1739-1753. [PMID: 38520619 PMCID: PMC11263311 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the parenthood desire, perceived parenthood stigma, and barriers to achieving parenthood among sexual minority men (SMM) in Canada, and to investigate factors influencing their fertility and assisted reproductive knowledge. METHODS Data were collected from March to mid-June 2023 using a 78-item anonymous online survey. Childless cisgender SMM (age 18+) living in Canada were recruited from the LGBTQIA+ community outside the fertility care networks. Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, reliability tests, Spearman's correlation, and hierarchical regression model were used for analysis. RESULTS Over 160 people clicked the survey hyperlink during the study period and 112 completed surveys were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 33.2±8.5 (range: 19.7-60.0). Having a child by any means was "quite"/"very" important to 35.7% (n=40), yet 56.0% (n=61) thought it was "unlikely" to achieve parenthood. Financial readiness (n=90, 85.7%) and relationship stability (n=86, 81.9%) were the two most "important" parenthood considerations. Participants who were non-white (p=0.017), under age 30 (p=0.008), and had no siblings (p=0.024) had significantly higher means of parenthood desire compared to others. The final hierarchical regression model explained 43% of the variance in the knowledge scores (R2adj =0.353), predicted by the levels of (i) education (β=0.37, p<0.001), (ii) family acceptance of sexual orientation (β=0.39, p=0.004), and (iii) parenthood desire (β=0.27, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS With an increasing number of SMM desiring children, it is pivotal to advance family-building equality through improving their fertility and assisted reproductive knowledge, removing disparities in accessing adoption and assisted reproductive services, and decreasing social stigma against SMM having children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Yee
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Amar A Mamone
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Fatima
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Sharon-Weiner
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Endocrinology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Goldberg AE, Frost RL. "Saying 'I'm not okay' is extremely risky": Postpartum mental health, delayed help-seeking, and fears of the child welfare system among queer parents. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38922870 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Parent mental health challenges in the postpartum and early parenthood have profound implications for parent, child, and family well-being. Little research has focused on postpartum mental health challenges and barriers to help-seeking among queer birthing people, including members of this community who may be particularly vulnerable to mental health difficulties, such as queer cis women partnered with men, trans/nonbinary parents, and queer parents who are young, low-income, and/or of color. This mixed-methods study of queer parents (n = 99), all of whom were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and gave birth to a child within the past several years, explores parents' postpartum mental health difficulties and perceived barriers to seeking help. Using a structural stigma framework, this study found that participants reported high rates of postpartum mental health difficulties (89%) and reported various barriers to seeking support including fears of discrimination and being deemed "unfit" by providers, which might lead to child welfare system involvement. Young parents and low-income parents were particularly fearful of child welfare system contact and potential child removal. Factors that encouraged help-seeking (e.g., desire to be a good parent; partner pressure to seek help) and implications for family practitioners are discussed.
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Rodriguez VJ, LaBarrie DL, Adams SJ, Liu Q. Parenting Measures and Their Psychometrics in LGBTQIA+ Families: A Systematic Review. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01672-8. [PMID: 38411766 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Parenting significantly influences youth development, yet there's a dearth of research on measuring parenting among LGBTQIA+ caregivers, or caregivers of LGBTQIA+ children (hereafter LGBTQIA+ families). In this systematic review we identified and evaluated the psychometrics of parenting scales validated for this population. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies with LGBTQIA+ families in major databases and secondary sources, psychometric assessment, and English language. Eight studies validating ten scales measuring parenting practices, parental attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions were identified. Generally, studies reported promising psychometrics, showing evidence of construct validity in all and reliability in seven. However, the review also unveiled crucial gaps: a paucity of scales validated among LGBTQIA+ fathers, and predominantly featured non-Hispanic White participants. Findings underscore the necessity for more inclusive samples that reflect the diversity of LGBTQIA+ families. The validation of parenting scales is crucial for understanding parenting in LGBTQIA+ families and developing parenting interventions to promote their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta J Rodriguez
- University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, 603 E. Daniel Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
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Yang H, Na X, Tan Y, Xi M, Yang Y, Zhao A. Correlates of feeding difficulties among children of Chinese transgender parents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2024; 25:602-618. [PMID: 39055635 PMCID: PMC11268252 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2024.2317401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Ensuring proper early feeding for young children is crucial, as encountering feeding difficulties (FD) during this stage can give rise to a cascade of health problems, the repercussions of which may endure into late childhood and adolescence. Children raised by transgender parents may be at risk of encountering FD, however, there is no research conducted on Chinese transgender families. Methods We designed a cross-sectional survey in which the rate of FD and its influencing factors were investigated among transgender parents in China. A total of 446 Chinese transgender parents (average age 30.39 years) were included in the analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to investigate the influencing factors of FD among children of transgender parents. We also established structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the possible pathways among these factors and FD. Results The rate of FD in children of Chinese transgender parents is 55.4%, with 34.5% having severe FD. Coming out after having a child (AOR = 2.26, 95%CI = 1.33 ∼ 3.91), family violence (AOR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.04 ∼ 1.09), partner violence (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.08 ∼ 1.15), no feeding education (accepting feeding education: AOR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.25 ∼ 0.74), being discriminated during seeking of childbearing health care (AOR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.3 ∼ 3.05), and poor relationship with partner (fair: AOR = 0.09, 95%CI = 0.03 ∼ 0.22; good: AOR = 0.06, 95%CI = 0.02 ∼ 0.15) are significantly associated with higher FD. Furthermore, through the pathway analysis, the indirect effects of education level (β=-0.151), feeding education (β = 0.145), and relationship with partner (β=-0.196) on FD are observed. Conclusions Children of Chinese transgender parents showed a high FD rate. It is crucial to help build a better family and social environment for transgender families to reduce the FD and improve children's and adolescents' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibing Yang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Na
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuefeng Tan
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Menglu Xi
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yucheng Yang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ai Zhao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Koh AS, Bos HMW, Rothblum ED, Carone N, Gartrell NK. Donor sibling relations among adult offspring conceived via insemination by lesbian parents. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2166-2174. [PMID: 37697711 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do adult offspring in planned lesbian-parent families feel about and relate to their donor (half) sibling(s) (DS)? SUMMARY ANSWER A majority of offspring had found DS and maintained good ongoing relationships, and all offspring (regardless of whether a DS had been identified) were satisfied with their knowledge of and contact level with the DS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The first generation of donor insemination offspring of intended lesbian-parent families is now in their 30s. Coincident with this is an increased use of DNA testing and genetic ancestry websites, facilitating the discovery of donor siblings from a common sperm donor. Few studies of offspring and their DS include sexual minority parent (SMP) families, and only sparse data separately analyze the offspring of SMP families or extend the analyses to established adult offspring. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cohort study included 75 adult offspring, longitudinally followed since conception in lesbian-parent families. Quantitative analyses were performed from online surveys of the offspring in the seventh wave of the 36-year study, with a 90% family retention rate. The data were collected from March 2021 to November 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were 30- to 33-year-old donor insemination offspring whose lesbian parents enrolled in a US prospective longitudinal study when these offspring were conceived. Offspring who knew of a DS were asked about their numbers found, characteristics or motivations for meeting, DS terminology, relationship quality and maintenance, and impact of the DS contact on others. All offspring (with or without known DS) were asked about the importance of knowing if they have DS and their terminology, satisfaction with information about DS, and feelings about future contact. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of offspring, 53% (n = 40) had found DS in modest numbers, via a DS or sperm bank registry in 45% of cases, and most of these offspring had made contact. The offspring had their meeting motivations fulfilled, viewed the DS as acquaintances more often than siblings or friends, and maintained good relationships via meetings, social media, and cell phone communication. They disclosed their DS meetings to most relatives with neutral impact. The offspring, whether with known or unknown DS, felt neutral about the importance of knowing if they had DS, were satisfied with what they knew (or did not know) of the DS, and were satisfied with their current level of DS contact. This study is the largest, longest-running longitudinal study of intended lesbian-parent families and their offspring, and due to its prospective nature, is not biased by over-sampling offspring who were already satisfied with their DS. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample was from the USA, and mostly White, highly educated individuals, not representative of the diversity of donor insemination offspring of lesbian-parent families. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS While about half of the offspring found out about DS, the other half did not. Regardless of knowing of a DS, these adult offspring of lesbian parents were satisfied with their level of DS contact. Early disclosure and identity formation about being donor-conceived in a lesbian-parent family may distinguish these study participants from donor insemination offspring and adoptees in the general population, who may be more compelled to seek genetic relatives. The study participants who sought DS mostly found a modest number of them, in contrast to reports in studies that have found large numbers of DS. This may be because one-third of study offspring had donors known to the families since conception, who may have been less likely to participate in commercial sperm banking or internet donation sites, where quotas are difficult to enforce or nonexistent. The study results have implications for anyone considering gamete donation, gamete donors, donor-conceived offspring, and/or gamete banks, as well as the medical and public policy professionals who advise them. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was provided for this project. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey S Koh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henny M W Bos
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther D Rothblum
- Department of Women's Studies, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nanette K Gartrell
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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D’Amore S, Maurisse A, Gubello A, Carone N. Stress and Resilience Experiences during the Transition to Parenthood among Belgian Lesbian Mothers through Donor Insemination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2800. [PMID: 36833501 PMCID: PMC9956101 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The present research explored parenting, stress, and resilience experiences among 16 Belgian, lesbian, first-time parental couples with donor-conceived children aged 3-72 months. In each couple, both mothers participated in a conjoint, semi-structured interview focused on their parenthood desire; the impact of stigmatization and social support from families of origin, friends, and institutions; and couple and family resources. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflective thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) "The precious baby": Realizing the parenthood project; (2) "Can we show ourselves in public without prying eyes?": Family social visibility; (3) "It's complicated!": Parental legal recognition and role imbalance; and (4) "How can we handle this?": Family resilience. The themes indicated that the child's donor conception, the parents' coming out, the non-gestational mother's role, the legal obstacles encountered, and the need to find a balance between the two mothers in childcare tasks generated stress and required mothers to develop resilience strategies. The results suggest several potential areas for mental health practitioners to explore in clinical contexts when supporting intended lesbian mothers in their transition to parenthood through donor insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore D’Amore
- Centre de Recherche de Psychologie du Développement, de la Famille et des Systèmes Humains (DéFaSy), Faculté des Sciences Psychologiques et de l’Education, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Maurisse
- Centre de Recherche de Psychologie du Développement, de la Famille et des Systèmes Humains (DéFaSy), Faculté des Sciences Psychologiques et de l’Education, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessio Gubello
- Centre de Recherche de Psychologie du Développement, de la Famille et des Systèmes Humains (DéFaSy), Faculté des Sciences Psychologiques et de l’Education, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Haugland C, Høgmo BK, Bondas TE. LGBTQ+ Persons' Experiences of Parenthood in the Context of Maternal and Child Health Care: A Meta-ethnography. Glob Qual Nurs Res 2023; 10:23333936231181176. [PMID: 37360875 PMCID: PMC10286167 DOI: 10.1177/23333936231181176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to integrate and synthesize knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) persons' experiences of parenthood in the context of maternal and child health care. For nurses to provide optimal care for LGBTQ+ parents, we need to derive knowledge from their perspectives. An interpretive meta-synthesis approach, meta-ethnography, was chosen for this study. A lines-of-argument synthesis based on four themes was developed: (1) Entering the world of LGBTQ+ parenthood; (2) The emotional journey in LGBTQ+ parenthood; (3) Struggling with the system as a LGBTQ+ parent and (4) A need to expand the knowledge horizon of LGBTQ+ parenthood. The overarching metaphor, "To be recognised as parents, unique and good enough, like everybody else," reflects how recognition and inclusion may support LGBTQ+ persons in their parenthood and broaden the understanding of parenthood. Knowledge of the LGBTQ+ family needs to be given greater attention in maternity and child health care settings, and in education and health policies.
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