Thriving Families, Unequal Burdens: the first national study of rainbow families in Australia

Rainbow families have always been part of Australian life, yet until now there has been almost no data about who we are, how our families are formed, and what we need to thrive. Thriving Families, Unequal Burdens changes that.

Drawing on the experiences of 1,295 LGBTQ+ households from every state and territory, this landmark research by Adjunct Professor Nicole L Asquith, Dr Ron Mason and Dr Ash Barnes paints a powerful picture of our community. Rainbow families are thriving: 87% of households are happy, 93% say their children are happy, and our families are more connected to extended family, friends and community than Australian families overall.

But the research also shows where systems are still failing us. More than one in three rainbow families have experienced exclusion, bullying or discrimination, most often in health, workplaces and schools. The burden falls hardest on families with a trans or gender diverse parent, sole parent families, families living with disability or neurodivergence, and those in regional, rural and remote areas. Many parents describe exhaustion from constantly having to explain, defend or advocate for their families.

This is why the research matters. It moves our advocacy from anecdote to evidence, and sets out seven clear recommendations for governments, schools, employers and service providers to make sure every rainbow family can raise their children in safety, with dignity, and recognised as equal.

Download the full report HERE to explore the findings, hear directly from families, and see what needs to change.