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LGBTQ+ Families Research Network

Supporting collaborative research for LGBTQ+ families across the UK

The LGBTQ+ Families Research Network brings together academic researchers, community organisations, healthcare professionals, and advocates to address the experiences of LGBTQ+ families, particularly during the perinatal period.

 

We were established with funding from the Administrative Fairness Lab in recognition that LGBTQ+ parents face unique challenges including loneliness, social exclusion, and barriers to accessing inclusive healthcare and support services. Research has shown that LGBTQ+ families have been largely invisible in perinatal and parenting research, and our network aims to address this critical gap.

The network provides opportunities for collaborative research, joint funding applications, and the development of evidence-based resources for both families and professionals. Our meetings combine research presentations with facilitated discussions to identify priorities and build partnerships between academic and community sectors.

Meeting topics are guided by member feedback, ensuring we deliver research opportunities that address real community needs and support policy and practice improvements.

There is no pressure to share personal family experiences to be part of our network, we welcome anyone whose professional or research work supports LGBTQ+ families.

The network is especially relevant to researchers studying family experiences, perinatal health, social policy, or community support systems, but will benefit academics and practitioners at all stages of their careers. We hope our network will encourage collaborative approaches to research that directly benefit LGBTQ+ families and communities.

The network is convened by Dr Ruth Naughton-Doe (University of York). Due to funding, we are UK-based and meetings are planned for UK times. However, overseas researchers working on relevant topics are welcome to join us.

To hear about our activities and events, please complete our membership form or contact lgbtq.familyresearch.network@gmail.com

Key Focus Areas

  • Perinatal experiences and support services for LGBTQ+ families
  • Loneliness and social exclusion across the parenting lifecourse
  • Healthcare accessibility and inclusive service provision
  • Welfare policy impacts on LGBTQ+ parents and children
  • Community support networks and interventions
  • Research methods for working with LGBTQ+ communities

Network Activities

  • Termly meetings (hybrid format) with research presentations and collaborative discussions
  • Sharing opportunities to take part in research projects
  • Joint funding applications and collaborative research projects
  • Development of resources for families, professionals, and policymakers
  • Training workshops on community-based participatory research
  • Policy advocacy based on research evidence
  • Connections with partner networks and organisations

Membership

We welcome:

  • Academic researchers from universities and research institutes
  • Community organisations serving LGBTQ+ families
  • Policy advocates and service providers
  • Independent researchers and practitioners
  • Graduate students conducting relevant research

Membership is free and participation levels can vary based on capacity and interest. All members agree to uphold our values of community-centred research, intersectionality, ethical partnership, accessible knowledge, and inclusive participation.