For LGBTQ+ families a lack of resources and support within the pregnancy and infant loss (PAIL) community and systemic discrimination from the birthing community intensifies stress and grief of LGBTQ+ parents who experience losses during their journey to parenthood.

At RTZ HOPE, we believe in safe spaces and community support for LGBTQ+ bereaved parents, and acknowledge the unique challenges in family planning. RTZ HOPE offers support groups and workshops, and strives to be a hub for resources that address the LGBTQ+ experience in reproductive, pregnancy, and infant loss.

Steps we are taking at RTZ HOPE

• Support groups and workshops focused on LGBTQ+

• Provider list of therapists with LGBTQ+ experience

• Resources specific for LGBTQ+

• Healthcare provider education

• The website: Making website a safe space (pronouns, removing heteronormative language)

Issues facing LGBTQ+ families

• Systemic discrimination in health care

• Systemic discrimination in society

• Access to community support

• Access to health care providers with experience

• Fertility/Pregnancy journey challenges

• Support for non-gestational parent

• Financial concerns around family building

• Health concerns for transgender and gender non-conforming families

• Identifying gestational carriers

• Not easy to “try again” – fertility journey financial and emotional burnout