Resources for LGBTQ+ Intended Parents

The number of LGBTQ+ families is growing rapidly in the United States. According to the LGBTQ Family Building Survey, published by Family Equality in 2019, 63% of LGBTQ Millennials (ages 18-35) are considering expanding their families, primarily through assisted reproductive technology, foster care and adoption.

The journey to parenthood can be challenging for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. For those who choose egg donation and surrogacy to create their families, there are many complexities to navigate – from matching with a qualified donor and surrogate to securing medical clearance to ensuring you have the right legal documentation. Our dedicated team at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions is committed to walking you through each step in the process, so you always know what to expect.

As an agency, our goal is to guide and support you throughout your journey to parenthood. Our team has compiled a list of resources that we hope will be helpful as you explore options to build your family.

Family Equality
Founded in 1979 at the National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, Family Equality’s mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to find, form and sustain their families by advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization offers numerous resources including support groups, state-by-state law guides, handbooks, factsheets, blog articles and more. Learn more here: https://www.familyequality.org/resources/

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
RESOLVE, a national patient advocacy organization, is actively tracking and advocating for legislation that supports access to family building options and reproductive care for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization’s work is focused on three key areas: gestational surrogacy, adoption policies and bills, and infertility insurance coverage.

RESOLVE also offers support groups for all types of intended parents, including LGBTQ+. You can filter your search to find a RESOLVE support group here: https://resolve.org/get-help/find-a-support-group/.

Gay Parents to Be
Gay Parents to Be is an informational resource and starting point for LGBTQ+ parenting. The organization offers information on family building options, grants for intended parents using assisted reproductive technology and charities dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ parents. Gay Parents to Be also offers virtual events for the LGBTQ+ parenting community.

Facebook Groups
There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ parents and families. You can do a broad search or narrow your search by state/region/community to find a group to join. Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions offers private Facebook groups for intended parents via both egg donation and surrogacy. While not specific to the LGBTQ+ community, we encourage same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals working with our agency to join these groups and connect with other intended parents for support, advice and encouragement. To be added to our intended parent Facebook groups, please reach out to your Care Coordinator or send an email to Info@CreateAHappyFamily.com.

Book Recommendations
There many books available that LGBTQ+ parents can use to help explain egg donation and surrogacy to their child(ren). This article on our Intended Parents Blog features several children’s books for families with two dads: https://eggdonorsolutions.com/intended-parents/10-childrens-books-celebrating-inclusivity-and-families-with-same-sex-parents/.

In addition, the Family Equality website offers a comprehensive list of book recommendations for LGBTQ+ parents and children of all ages. Visit the website to search by age, topic, keyword, author, etc.: https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/.

A Message from the Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions Team
Happy Pride Month to all our LGBTQ+ intended parents! It is truly our honor to work with you to create your happy family. Below are some other recent articles you may find interesting.

Speaking Out for Third-Party LGBTQ+ Services
Finding a Fertility Clinic That Works for You
Jarett & Jeremy’s Story: Twice the Love