but too many still face discrimination
Landmark national report reveals the lives of LGBTQ+ parents and their children
Australia’s rainbow families are happier and more connected than the national average, yet more than one in three have experienced exclusion, bullying or discrimination, according to the first national study of LGBTQ+ parents and their children.
Released by Rainbow Families Australia, Thriving Families, Unequal Burdens draws on responses from 1,295 LGBTQ+ parents and carers across every state and territory. Believed to be the largest studies of its kind in the world, it gives the first national picture of how rainbow families are formed, how they are faring, and where systems are letting them down.
Key findings
● 87% of families are happy, and 93% say their children are happy.
● 96% have people they can call on in a crisis, and 89% report little or no family conflict.
● 80% regularly see extended family in person, compared with 51% of Australian families.
But it’s not all rainbows and glitter.
● More than 1 in 3 (38%) have experienced exclusion, bullying or discrimination, (most often in the workplace) and 1 in 6 say their children have too (most often in schools).
● 1 in 5 have faced barriers to services because of their sexuality or gender identity, most often in health care.
Discrimination is felt hardest by families already facing the greatest pressures. Nearly half of families with a trans or gender diverse parent have experienced exclusion, bullying or discrimination, as have 56% of families in rural and remote areas, compared with 34% of urban families. Sole parent families and families with disabled or neurodivergent members also reported higher levels of financial, housing and mental health stress.
Rainbow Families Australia Executive Officer and Co-Founder Ashley Scott said the report puts rainbow families on the record for the first time.
“Rainbow families have always been part of the Australian community, but until now there has never been research that truly captures our health, wellbeing and needs. This report makes sure rainbow families are seen and heard, in ways that make sense for our community, for the first time.”
According to the 2021 Census, more than 78,000 same-sex couples live together in Australia, around 17% of them raising children. But this tells only part of the story: sole parents, trans and gender diverse parents, co-parenting families and many other rainbow families are not captured in national statistics currently.
Rainbow Families Australia Board Director Kai Noonan said the findings point to clear action.
“Rainbow families are thriving, but too many are still fighting for basic recognition. Every family deserves to live with safety and with dignity, without having to fight to be treated as equal. This report gives governments, schools and services a clear roadmap to make that happen.”
The report makes seven recommendations, including:
● amending the Sex Discrimination Act to protect children from discrimination because of their parents’ sexuality or gender identity.
● ensuring parental leave applies equally to all parents, however their family was formed.
● training teachers, health workers and service providers to better support rainbow families
● providing sustainable funding for programs that support LGBTQ+ parents and their children.
● reforming surrogacy, assisted reproduction and parentage laws so every family can be legally recognised.
Rainbow Families Australia is calling on governments, schools and service providers to act on these recommendations, and to listen to what rainbow families have told us they need to thrive.
The research was conducted by researchers from Queensland University of Technology, the University of Tasmania and Ashua Research, in partnership with Rainbow Families Australia. It received ethics approval from the Queensland University of Technology, and all survey responses were confidential.
Rainbow Families Australia is the national peak organisation for LGBTQ+ parents and their children. As a registered charity, we support, connect, celebrate, empower and advocate for LGBTQ+ parents and their families at every stage of life, and work to ensure rainbow families are recognised and included in policy, services and community life.
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