First Contact with Gay and Lesbian Parents: Forms and Letters

Often, the first contact parents have with schools or other institutions involves forms to fill out. These families are made up of not only same-sex parents, but also adoptive or foster parents, stepparents, or other family members such as grandparents. In order to reach all of these families, schools and community organizations should use inclusive, neutral language in their forms and documents. In so doing, institutions send a strong positive message that they are open to family diversity. This module suggests how to develop inclusive letters and forms.