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Losing a Child: Death and Hidden Losses in LGBTQ-Parent Families

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LGBTQ-Parent Families

Abstract

In this chapter, we address the often-invisible topic of losing a child and explore the experiences and implications of child loss on LGBTQ-parent families. As a family scholar who experienced the loss of an adult child by suicide, and an anthropologist who suffered a second-trimester miscarriage, we approach this subject both as researchers and bereaved queer parents. We address the limited sources of knowledge on this issue, piecing together theoretical perspectives, autoethnography and personal narrative, and empirical research in order to chart this relatively unexplored area. We build upon common experiences of loss, death, bereavement, grief, and healing for families experiencing the death of a child. From that foundation, we explore unique features of LGBTQ-parent families that reflect their challenges in heteronormative society that lead to stigma and prejudice, which in turn compound these families’ hidden losses. We propose directions for future research and implications for practice and support for LGBTQ-parent families experiencing child loss.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Katherine R. Allen

  2. Anthropology and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA

    Christa C. Craven

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  1. Katherine R. Allen
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Correspondence to Katherine R. Allen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA

    Abbie E. Goldberg

  2. Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Katherine R. Allen

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Allen, K.R., Craven, C.C. (2020). Losing a Child: Death and Hidden Losses in LGBTQ-Parent Families. In: Goldberg, A.E., Allen, K.R. (eds) LGBTQ-Parent Families. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35610-1_22

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