Celebrating LGBT+ parents and carers, their children, and every family that deserves to be seen.
A day to celebrate our families, raise awareness of our experiences and help create a future where every family is recognised, understood and included.
Every family deserves to be seen.
LGBT+ families are part of communities everywhere. We raise children, care for loved ones, build families and contribute to the places where we live and work.
Yet our experiences can still be overlooked. From forms and services that assume every child has a mum and a dad, to a lack of representation in schools, healthcare and wider society, LGBT+ parents and carers can find themselves having to explain or justify their families.
Why 19 September?
On 19 September 1976, Spare Rib magazine highlighted the experiences of lesbian mothers in the UK who were facing discrimination and, in some cases, losing custody of their children because of their sexuality.
At a time when damaging assumptions about LGBT+ people and parenting were widespread, these stories challenged the idea that there was only one “right” kind of family.
The conversations and research that followed, including pioneering work by Professor Susan Golombok, helped transform understanding of LGBT+ parenting.
Nearly 50 years later, 19 September gives us an opportunity to remember those struggles — while continuing to challenge the barriers LGBT+ families still face today.
VISIBILITY
Being seen is only the beginning.
Visibility isn't simply about appearing in photographs, advertisements or social media. It's about being recognised.
It's about seeing LGBT+ families reflected in schools, healthcare, workplaces and the communities around us. It's about not having to explain who we are every time we fill in a form or access a service.
Visibility means being seen, understood and supported.
From being seen to belonging.
Being seen
Seeing LGBT+ families represented in everyday life.
Being heard
Making space for LGBT+ parents and carers to share their experiences.
Being understood
Moving beyond assumptions and recognising the diversity of our families.
Being included
Creating services, schools, workplaces and communities where every family belongs.
What can you do?
1. Share
Help make LGBT+ families more visible by sharing the day across your social media.
Download the social media pack2. Start a conversation
Talk about LGBT+ Parents & Carers Day with your friends, family, colleagues, school or workplace.
3. Learn
Discover the history behind 19 September and learn more about the experiences of LGBT+ families.
Watch the interview4. Create change
Think about how your school, workplace, organisation or service can better recognise and include LGBT+ parents and carers.
Explore training & consultancyEvery family deserves to be seen.
This LGBT+ Parents & Carers Day, join us in celebrating our families, sharing our stories and creating greater visibility for LGBT+ parents, carers and their children.
Download the social media pack