Thriving Families, Unequal Burdens
The first national study of Rainbow Families Australia. 1,295 LGBTQ+ households, one definitive picture of who raises kids, how they thrive, and what still needs to change.
A picture we've never had before
For the first time, rainbow families across Australia have been counted, heard and understood at a national scale. This is the dataset behind every policy decision, classroom and clinic that touches the way we raise our kids.
Participation will involve completing up to 100 survey questions using a mix of multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-text questions.
What the data says
Diverse, resilient and thriving
Drawing on responses from 1,295 LGBTQ+ parents, the research paints an overwhelmingly positive picture: rainbow families are diverse, resilient and thriving, with levels of support and social connection that consistently outperform national benchmarks.
Children's experiences of exclusion
18.6% of participants reported that their children had experienced exclusion, being treated unfairly, or bullied, with a further 13.5% noting they were unsure.
Barriers to services
21% of participants reported that they had experienced barriers to accessing services due to their sexuality and/or gender diversity. The primary site for exclusion, bullying and discrimination was the health sector (51.4%).
Education exclusion varies by state
Among the 197 families who reported their children experiencing exclusion, being treated unfairly, or being bullied in education, rates varied considerably by state and territory.
Our families
86.6% have 1 or 2 kids. The most common ages are 6–11 (25.0%) and 12–17 (20.5%). Just under 40% of children are under five.
"This is the dataset we've been waiting for. It turns lived experience into evidence policy can no longer ignore."
Built for policy, connection advocacy and education
- 01Inform Rainbow Families priorities
- 02Policy submissions and advocacy briefs
- 03Inclusive education and service delivery resources
- 04Health and diversity service design
- 05Baseline data of Australian rainbow families
Get the full report
Download the national dataset, methodology and findings. Free, open and citable.
About Rainbow Families Australia
Rainbow Families Australia is the national peak organisation for LGBTQ+ parents and their children. As a registered charity, we support, connect, celebrate, empower and advocate for LGBTQ+ parents and their families at every stage of life, and work to ensure rainbow families are recognised and included in policy, services and community life.