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June marks Pride Month. Originally created to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, Pride Month is a time that is dedicated to promoting equality and increased awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Each year, cities host parades and other events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2020, Pride was a bit quieter than normal. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, parades were canceled, along with many other events. There continues to be hurdles to overcome in the fight for gay rights around the world. In early July, Poland President Andrzej Duda proposed changing the constitution to ban LGBTQ couples from adopting children.
It is important, now perhaps more than ever before, for our LGBTQIA+ community to feel supported. Same-gender couples have faced many barriers in the journey to grow their families and have had to fight for equal rights to adopt. The world can make adoption hard enough on new parents, let alone those who feel ostracized for their family composition. At Adoptions With Love, we support healthy, responsible, and loving parents from all walks of life in their journey toward adoption. Anyone who can care for and protect a child – offering them a safe and happy home – deserves to have the indescribable joy that is parenthood.
If you are a hopeful adoptive parent in Massachusetts, read on, as we share the many services offered at Adoptions With Love – a trustworthy, private adoption agency supporting LGBTQ couples. We will also cover the important information to know about adopting in Massachusetts as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans family.
A History of LGBT Adoption in Massachusetts
Adoption in the U.S. has certainly come a long way from the dark ages of children being “given up” for adoption – , when orphans were placed on platforms for adoption auctions. Thanks to the Supreme Court’s historic ruling on marriage equality in 2015, all capable and competent American families are eligible to adopt today.
While adoption for all families is legal in all 50 states, there are, unfortunately, some adoption agencies that are more accepting than others. Since the historic Marriage Equality Act was passed by the Supreme Court, some individual states have approved legislation allowing private adoption agencies to discriminate based on sexual orientation and identity.
Where does Massachusetts fall?
LGBTQ Adoption in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, every competent resident, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, is welcome to apply to adopt a child. If a person or family can show that they are responsible, stable, and healthy enough to pass a home study, and is of the legal age of 21+, they can grow their family through adoption.
Adoptions With Love works with birth mothers all over the country and with adoptive parents in Massachusetts. As an LGBT adoption agency in the Bay State, we proudly accept all family make-ups. We welcome LGBTQIA+ families and individuals who are looking to grow their families through adoption. Our adoption services include:
- A free, informational meeting with one of our clinical social workers to walk you through the application and adoption process
- Full-service adoptions in Massachusetts which include: Home study services, Comprehensive advertising, Expert matching with expectant/birth parents, ICPC and post-placement services, Finalization of the adoption in court
- A pre-adoptive educational group to help prepare for baby
- Full legal services every step of the way, to ensure the adoption is legal and safe
- Ongoing post-adoption support, education, and counseling for both you and your child
- A post-placement letter and picture program
Preparing to Adopt a Baby
Same-gender married couples can enjoy the same benefits of adoption as heterosexual adoptive couples, and also face the same challenges that arise. For example, all adoptive families need to know how to talk to the child about adoption, embrace their identity, and navigate open adoption relationships. You can download our free eBook on how to prepare for adoption. There are also some extra considerations that LGBTQ adoptive parents should make before beginning the adoption journey, such as:
- LGBTQ Parenting – While times are a changing, there are still some people who express distain and bias against gay and trans people. LGBT families will need to prepare to speak with their child about homophobia and help them handle negative comments about their family dynamic.
- International adoption vs. Domestic adoption – In general, it is easier for LGBT families to adopt within the United States (domestic adoption). While many gay couples have experienced successful international adoptions, there are some countries that still ban gay adoption. If you are considering adopting overseas, you may want to first research which countries allow LGBT adoption first.
Additional Resources for Your Family
In addition to your LGBT adoption agency, there are many other resources for hopeful adoptive parents. Here are some of the organizations you can turn to for additional support and information:
You can also turn to Adoptions With Love any time with questions or support in regard to adoption in Massachusetts. Reach out to us any time at 617-964-4357, or contact us online.