Research
Introduction
There are a lot of myths about rainbow families. However, there has also been a great deal of research done in Australia and internationally into rainbow families. This research explores issues including how gay and lesbian people and same-sex couples are having children, how the children are faring in a wide range of areas, how they are treated in school and by service providers, how same-sex couples arrange parenting, and how people generally are dealing with the changing nature of family in their community.
Use the Menu on the right hand side of this page to navigate through a range of topics relating to research by, for and on rainbow families.
Current research projects
Literature Review of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Families
The Australian Psychological Society has released a literature review of family studies research about parenting by LGBT people, as well as relevant information about the wider family studies field and background information on the Australian context. The family studies literature indicates that it is family processes (such as the quality of parenting and relationships within the family) that contribute to determining children's well-being and 'outcomes', rather than family structures per se - such as the number, gender, sexuality and co-habitation status of parents. The research indicates that parenting practices and children's outcomes in families parented by LGBT parents are likely to be at least as favourable as those in families of heterosexual parents. It is acknowledged that this is the case despite the reality that legal discrimination and inequity continue to be significant challenges for our families.
Work, Love and Play in Diverse Family Life: Call for participants
Australia's first major study into lesbian, gay, bisexual and transparenting is now underway! Titled "Work, Love and Play in Diverse Family Life", it looks at how lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans parents are handling their parenting and household responsibilities, as well as relations with extended family and the broader community. The research seeks to involve families from all over Australia and New Zealand. Researchers are keen for any lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT) people who are actively parenting a child or children under the age of 18 to complete the questionnaire. The project is funded by Latrobe University (Melbourne) and the Bouverie Centre (Melbourne). This is a great opportunity to find out about the positive aspects of everyday life in LGBT communities and whether our families are getting the support they need.
Research Reported in the News
FIND OUT MORE
Symposium and free public lecture
