For LGBTIQA+ and rainbow families

Help with emotional challenges and getting the right support as an LGBTIQA+ parent.

On this page

Being an LGBTIQA+ parent

LGBTIQA+ parents have the same emotional challenges and joys as other parents. But if you're LGBTIQA+ or in a rainbow family you might need some different kinds of support. With the right help you and your baby can have the best start possible.

Common worries might be:

  • finding safe and respectful health care
  • conception, surrogacy or adoption
  • knowing your legal rights as a parent, partner or someone wanting to have a child
  • feeling like you don't fit in
  • feeling isolated because of your family structure
  • feeling forgotten or misunderstood if you aren't the birth parent
  • needing to come out to lots of new people, like health and fertility professionals, childcare workers and other parents
  • your child being treated differently or discriminated against.
'I experienced a lot of discrimination about being LGBTIQA+ in pregnancy, early parenthood, and throughout my parenthood journey. I think this brought additional emotional challenges that were different to other parents. I felt like I had to be stronger and more resilient to discrimination (to protect my children) than I have ever had to be in my life but sometimes this was hard. When things were feeling hard, I would reach out to other members of the LGBTIQA+ community. This really helped me to not feel alone and to find new ways to approach challenges.'
Mez

Your support options

Talking to someone about what help you need and how to get support can be a good first step. That might be your family, friends, an Elder or someone else in your community. It could also be a helpline or online support network.

Support can include things like:

  • LGBTIQA+ and rainbow families parent support groups
  • LGBTIQA+ counselling services
  • playgroups and meetups for rainbow families
  • supportive and inclusive health care, childcare and community services
  • support with legal matters, human rights and discrimination.

You can also talk to your GP, midwife or child health nurse or get mental health support for LGBTIQA+ families on the Beyond Blue website.

You can learn more about assisted fertility and IVF, surrogacy and adoption on the Queensland Government website.

In a crisis or emergency

If you're having thoughts about harming yourself or your child, or you feel unable to cope, call:

For help with domestic, family and sexual violence call 1800 737 732. You can also talk to someone online, by text message or video call on the 1800RESPECT website.

Services that can support you

Search our directory to connect with perinatal mental health supports and services.

You can also find specific help for LGBTIQA+ people on the Dear Mind website.

Last updated:
15 September 2026