Psychology
Separation and divorce among LGBTQ-Parent families
Document Type
Book Chapter
Abstract
Although there is ample literature regarding the couple relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, particularly same-sex LG couples, less is known about processes of separation and divorce in instances where these relationships are not enduring. This topic is timely to consider as a growing number of countries worldwide have moved toward marriage equality for same-sex couples, which also means that legal same-sex divorce is becoming an increasing reality. As many couples including LGBTQ-identified persons have children, it is likely that at least some of these children will experience the dissolution of their parents’ relationship, yet few studies have attended to outcomes and experiences of LGBTQ-parent families who experience divorce. In this chapter, we review data on LGBTQ relationship separation and divorce, particularly those LGBTQ adults who are parents. We underscore dynamics unique to LGBTQ parents and their children who experience dissolution of the couple relationship. In doing so, we describe both quantitative and qualitative studies in this area, and we draw on related research among cisgender heterosexual parent families who have experienced separation and divorce. We conclude with implications and recommendations for policy, practice, and future research.
Publication Title
LGBTQ-Parent Families: Innovations in Research and Implications for Practice
Publication Date
2020
First Page
337
Last Page
348
ISBN
9783030356101,9783030356095
DOI
10.1007/978-3-030-35610-1_21
Keywords
hildren’s adjustment, couple dissolution, couple separation, custody, divorce, LGBTQ parents, same-sex marriage
Repository Citation
Farr, Rachel H.; Simon, Kyle A.; and Goldberg, Abbie E., "Separation and divorce among LGBTQ-Parent families" (2020). Psychology. 312.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/312