Every June, people across the UK and around the world celebrate Pride Month – a time dedicated to recognising the history, achievements and ongoing fight for equality within the LGBTQ+ community.
While Pride is often associated with vibrant parades and celebrations, it is also an opportunity to reflect, educate and challenge misconceptions. In fostering, this is especially important.
What is Pride Month and why does it matter?
Pride Month is observed in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
In the UK, the first Pride march took place in London on 1 July 1972, marking the beginning of a movement that continues to promote equality, visibility and inclusion today.
At its heart, Pride is about creating a society where everyone is accepted for who they are – something that aligns with the values of foster care.
Challenging perceptions about fostering
There are still outdated beliefs around who can become a foster carer. Many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples worry that their identity may be a barrier, but:
- There is no “one type” of foster carer
- Sexual orientation and gender identity do not affect eligibility
- What matters most is your ability to provide stability, care and support
These misconceptions prevent people from stepping forward – at a time when they are needed most.
Why diversity in foster care matters
Across the UK, there are over 100,000 children in care, each with unique backgrounds, identities and experiences.
Creating a diverse pool of foster carers helps ensure children can be matched with families who understand and support them.
For LGBTQ+ young people in care, this can be especially important. Many have faced discrimination or uncertainty and benefit from homes where acceptance is unconditional and identity is respected.
The role of LGBTQ+ foster carers
LGBTQ+ foster carers bring valuable strengths to fostering, including:
- Empathy and understanding of difference
- Strong emotional awareness
- Commitment to equality and inclusion
- The ability to create safe, affirming environments
Research highlights that for LGBTQ+ young people, having carers who offer acceptance and sensitivity can significantly support their wellbeing and development.
Supporting LGBTQ+ foster carers every step of the way
We are proud to be members of New Family Social – the UK’s leading charity and peer support network for LGBTQ+ adopters and foster carers.
New Family Social is a community led by people with lived experience of fostering and adoption. Its sole focus is supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples as they explore, begin and continue their fostering journey.
Being part of this network means our LGBTQ+ foster carers have access to a wide range of additional support, including:
- Peer support from other LGBTQ+ carers who understand the journey first-hand
- Online forums where carers can ask questions, share experiences or seek advice in a safe, supportive space
- Events and meet-ups across the UK, helping build friendships and support networks
- Specialist resources and guidance at every stage of fostering
New Family Social is about connection and reassurance, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.
For many people, knowing there is a strong, welcoming community behind them can make all the difference when taking the first step into fostering.
Our membership also reflects our commitment as a service:
- to be inclusive
- to continually improve how we support LGBTQ+ carers
- and to ensure every foster carer has access to the tools, community and confidence they need to succeed
Because fostering with pride isn’t just about who steps forward, it’s about how we support them every step of the way.
Breaking down myths
Despite progress, myths still exist:
- “You must be in a traditional family to foster”
- “Children need a mum and a dad”
- “LGBTQ+ people aren’t eligible”
These are not true. We actively welcome carers from all backgrounds because diversity strengthens the entire system and improves outcomes for children.
Fostering with Pride
Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come and to recognise where more progress is needed.
In fostering, that means continuing to:
- Challenge outdated perceptions
- Encourage people from all communities to come forward
- Create environments where every child feels they belong
Is now the time?
If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time to explore it. We’re holding an online Fostering with Pride information event on Wednesday 24 July, 12-1pm. Find out more and sign up to join us.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you could make a life-changing difference to a child. Because fostering isn’t about who you are, it’s about the care you give. And with access to dedicated support networks like New Family Social, you won’t be doing it alone.
All fostering enquiries are handled first by our partners, Fostering South West (also known as the regional hub). The hub brings together enquiries for all local authorities across the South West. They aim to contact you within two days of your enquiry for an initial chat to help you decide whether fostering is right for you. If it is, the hub passes your enquiry to us (South Gloucestershire Council), and we support you through the rest of your fostering journey.
