LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub Membership

For many LGBTQ+ people, donor conception offers hope and optimism – it provides a route to parenthood that for many would otherwise not exist.

However, here at Paths To Parenthub we also acknowledge that needing the help of a donor to build your family can be a confusing and challenging time too, a time filled with conflicting emotions and uncertainty.

Furthermore, being part of the LGBTQ+ community can throw up some additional considerations on this route to becoming a parent.

So how can LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub help me?

Whether you are at the start of your journey, or now parenting through donor conception, our community will provide a secure, private and supportive space to explore this multifaceted subject of donor conception from the comfort of your own home.

Support

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Connection

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Resources

Here at LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub we will provide you with all of the resources and support you will need in order to make informed choices and decisions on your path to parenthood. From practical guidance like ‘questions to ask your sperm and/or egg bank’, to sharing the latest research from fact-finding studies, to holding online support and connection groups discussing how other LGBTQ+ families are talking to their children about their conception story.

Joining as a member of LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub will provide you with access to regular interactive webinars, live chats and support groups from a range of voices within the LGBTQ+ community. Professionals and people with lived experience of donor conception combine to create a dynamic and inclusive experience.

Specifically, our recordings of live chats with adult donor conceived people, including those who were raised within LGBTQ+ families provide a unique insight into what it is like to be donor conceived. They share their takeaways, advice and tips for parents which is an invaluable resource to our members. Furthermore, Paths to Parenthub prides itself on bringing its members information and research about donor conception from professionals and experts in this field.

You will have the opportunity to form friendships with others, make valuable connections with other families ‘who look like you’, and build on our community alongside others who are walking a similar path.

Who is LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub for?

Whether you are just thinking of starting a family via donor conception, or have children already – whether you are considering at home insemination, using assisted reproduction like IVF or IUI, have used a known, Open ID or anonymous donor, whether you’re a solo parent, couple, co-parent, or are somewhere in between, everyone is welcome as a member of the LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub community.

Can I become a member of Paths to Parenthub even if I do not identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community?

Absolutely! Paths to Parenthub has been an established community since 2020, with a growing membership of parents and parents to be via donor conception. However you identify, as a member of Paths to Parenthub you will have equal access to the entire service that the community offers.

Simply put, we like to think of the LGBTQ+ Paths to Parenthub as hitting all of the plus points of the founding membership, but with the added bonus of a rainbow twist!

Webinars

Live Chats

LGBTQ+ Webinars include

Legal Parentage and Donor Conception (including considerations for LGBTQ+ families) with Family Law specialist Anest Mathias and head of BICA Angela Pericleous-Smith

Family Building Priorities in LGBTQ+ Couples – Things to consider right at the start of your journey – with professional speaker Lisa Schuman, LCSW

Being the non genetic parent in an LGBTQ+ family – exploring the common fears and emotional considerations – with Julianne Boutaleb

LGBTQ+ Family Building at a UK fertility Clinic – An insight into what to expect and what questions to ask – with professional speaker Angela Pericleous-Smith

Talking to Your Children About Being Donor Conceived in an LGBTQ+ Family – with Avital Pearlman

LGBTQ+ Live Chats include

Marco’s story – raised by two mums in the 80’s and 90’s – a donor conceived adults perspective

‘Dual citizens’ Freya and Hayley – discussing what it is like being both donor conceived adults and also parents to donor conceived children within LGBTQ+ families

Two Mums and Two Dads – Laura-Rose and Michael share their stories of becoming parents in LGBTQ Families

Caroline Gray – Becoming a Mum via Reciprocal IVF

Ranae Von Melding – Building an LGBTQ+ Family in Ireland – a step closer towards equality

LGBTQ+ Live support groups

Monthly support groups via Zoom – facilitated by Hayley our LGBTQ+ Director. A private space to gain support, share perspectives, and connect with others who are walking a similar path.

All of this plus access to over 50 hours of pre-existing content on the hub, covering a range of helpful topics on donor conception and fertility.

Topics including –

Talking to friends and family about donor conception

Attachment and bonding

DNA testing and implications for donor conception … and so much more!!

Sign up to Paths to Parenthub