How LGBTQ+ Parents Attach Meaning to Parenthood Within Heteronormative Contexts: A Scoping Review

LGBTQ+ parents are required to navigate parenthood in heteronormative society, where little is known about how this influences their parental legitimacy and identity. The purpose of this project was to explore how LGBTQ+ parents attached meaning to parenthood in the context of heteronormativity. A scoping review was conducted that included a search in 6 academic databases, yielding 775 initial articles, with 12 being selected for review to answer the research question. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to generate themes and a rich interpretation of the data. Results included three main themes: (1) heteronormativity as threatening, (2) redefining family, and (3) transition to parenthood. The review highlighted that LGBTQ+ parents are at increased risk of experiencing threats to their parental legitimacy and sense of belonging in parenthood. LGBTQ+ parent support that is affirmative and aligns with their unique intersectional identities to receive guidance and feedback would support parental identity and overall well-being.