Gays and lesbians frequently have a harder time adopting than a heterosexual person or married couple. However the acceptance of gay and lesbian parenthood has been increasing and has reached the point where in most states an openly gay man or woman can now adopt. There are still a few U.S. states and several foreign countries where it is illegal for a gay or lesbian person to adopt and most states and countries do not yet accept gay or lesbian marriages.

This site lists several organizations and publications supporting gay and lesbian parenting. Gay and lesbian adopting persons can contact a child adoption agency open to alternative life styles. You may also want to read the Child Welfare Information Gateway article entitled "Gay and Lesbian Adoptive Parents: Resources for Professionals and Parents".

Additional Help and Resources

Adoption Services does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, age or for any other reason. Please feel free to contact us. Please visit the Adoption Services link Domestic adoption agencies for a list of adoption agencies to contact to ask about their policies regarding gay and lesbian adoption.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES

American Civil Liberties Union

Lesbian and Gay Rights Project
125 Broad Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 549-2627

Child Welfare League of America

Child Welfare League of America
440 First Street NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001-2085
(202) 638-2952
Fax: (202) 638-4004

Gay Fathers Coalition

PO Box 19891
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 583-8029

Lesbian Mothers Support Society

PO Box 61
Station M
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2P2G9
(403) 265-6433

Love Makes a Family

Love Makes a Family
PO Box 5163
Portland, OR 97208-5163

National Center for Lesbian Rights

870 Market Street, Suite 570
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 392-6257
Fax: (415) 392-8442

!OutProud!

The National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Youth
369 Third Street, Suite B-362
San Rafael, CA 94901-3581

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