The path to parenthood for LGBTQ+ people can feel overwhelming. Between choosing the right provider, navigating costs, and dealing with legal hurdles, it’s easy to make missteps early on that can add stress — or delay your journey altogether.
Here are five of the most common mistakes hopeful LGBTQ+ parents-to-be make when starting out.
1. Waiting too long to start. Between finances, medical appointments, mental health or social worker visits, and paperwork (so much paperwork!), family-building often takes more time than people expect. The earlier you begin learning, the better prepared you’ll be. Starting early gives you the flexibility to move at your own pace.
2. Not vetting providers for LGBTQ+ experience. Not all clinics, agencies, or adoption professionals are equally affirming — or equally skilled at supporting queer families, and that lack of expertise can create roadblocks. They need to be vetted for their passion for (and expertise in) LGBTQ+ family-building. Conducting due diligence and asking the right questions up front ensures you’ll have the right support team.
3. Overlooking the emotional side. Family-building isn’t just a medical or legal process. It’s emotional. Finding support for the ups and downs is key. While many mental health providers may be LGBTQ+ friendly, nobody will truly understand what you are going through like another member of the community, especially an LGBTQ+ therapist who has personal experience with family-building!
4. Focusing only on cost — not value. It’s tempting to go with the least expensive option, but in family building, cheaper can sometimes mean cutting corners. Prioritize transparency, trust, and a provider’s track record over price alone.
5. Trying to figure it all out alone. Endless searching can leave you overwhelmed with conflicting information — and a lot of it isn’t tailored to LGBTQ+ families. Google can’t tell you which providers are truly inclusive, or prepare you for the emotional and legal realities of your journey. Nothing can beat a trusted resource that provides everything you need in one affirming place.
That’s where GWK Academy comes in. We’re the first-of-its-kind learning platform and support network created specifically for all LGBTQ+ people pursuing parenthood across any family-building options. You’ll find step-by-step guides, trusted provider referrals, and one-on-one coaching — all for free.
