A Closer Look at the Family Planning Challenges for the Black LGBTQ+ Community Via the Black Rainbow Justice Initiative

Many parts of the USA continue to move towards tremendous societal progression of supporting LGBTQ + marriage and family planning. However, there are other areas, including many states within the southern region of the USA, which tend to be less progressive and more resistant towards this subject matter. As of now, information is limited on understanding the experiences and challenges faced by Black LGBTQ + individuals in regard to how they navigate the healthcare system for family planning purposes. Findings from this study highlight Black LGBTQ + individuals and couples' unique experiences of undergoing fear and discomfort with racial and gender bias in their pursuit of expanding their families. Highlighted findings revealed that many experienced challenges with access due to cost of health care, cost with adoption, lack of Black sperm donors, and negative experiences with their provider. It is our belief that highlighting such experiences will provide a direction for how we may work to improve the well-being of Black LGBTQ + individuals, couples, and their families for the future.