Sense of Belonging/School Climate in LGBTQ-Parent Families

As increasing numbers of LGBTQ people enter into parenthood, the issue of safety and inclusiveness of schools for the children of these parents has become more prominent. This entry examines the experiences of LGBTQ parents and their children within the school environment. Research in this area has shown mixed findings. Some children and young people with LGBTQ parents enjoy a positive journey through school and encounter few negative experiences related to homophobia. Others, however, are subject to harassment or discrimination or find the school environment to be isolating and exclusionary. Recent research has sought to identify strategies by which schools can better support children with LGBTQ parents and encourage greater involvement of parents in the school community.