Many gay and lesbian families adopt children domestically as well as through intercountry adoption. In this section, you will find information and resources regarding adoption by LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) families.
8 Questions to Ask Before Starting the Adoption Process
The Human Rights Campaign (2020)
Provides a checklist of things for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning parents considering adoption to ask themselves before starting the adoption process.
Adoption and the LGBTQ Community
Creating a Family (2018)
Offers data and resources regarding adoption of a child by same-sex couples.
Adoption Options Overview
Human Rights Campaign (2020)
Discusses the various adoption options, resources, and publications that are available to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples interested in starting a family through adoption.
Connecticut Recruiting LGBT Families to Adopt, Foster Kids
Haigh (2018)
PBS News Hour
Discusses an initiative to actively recruit the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community to become foster and adoptive parents in Connecticut.
Foster and Adoption Laws
Movement Advancement Project (2020)
Presents a map that can be used as a resource to view foster and adoption laws relating to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning along with same-sex couples. Using the map tool, results can be filtered by State and issue.
How to Find LGBT Adoption Agencies That Are Right for You
Considering Adoption
Guides lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) people or couples considering adoption to find LGBTQ-friendly adoption agencies and professionals that will work to help bring a child into their life.
LGBTQ Parent Adoption (PDF - 802 KB)
Farr (2019)
The Future of Adoption
Rudd Adoption Research Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Addresses the growing number of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) couples who want to adopt children. This publication addresses questions nonheterosexual couples have about adoption within their States.
Resources for LGBTI Adoptions
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Offers resources and information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people and same-sex couples who are interested in adoption in the United States. The resources and links cover laws related to LGBTI adoption, parenting, health and wellness information for youth and families, how to create a welcoming home for LGBTI youth, and more.