Episode Twenty Nine : Beyond Mum and Dad – LGB Parenting

Diverse Talk Matters

Diverse Talk Matters
Episode Twenty Nine : Beyond Mum and Dad – LGB Parenting
Mar 12, 2026 Season 5 Episode 29
Diverse Matters

In episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reed sits down with Richard Wade and Luise Usiskin to explore the realities of LGB parenting in the UK. Richard, a freelance musician and father of two adopted boys, shares his journey through adoption and co-parenting. 

Louise, an equality, diversity and inclusion consultant, reflects on her experience navigating IVF as a lesbian couple and the systemic barriers she and her wife faced.

Together, they discuss:

-  The evolution of adoption rights for same-sex couples
-  Navigating IVF and healthcare systems built on heterosexual models
-  Everyday assumptions, stereotypes, and microaggressions faced by LGB parents
- The importance of inclusive schools, supportive communities, and representation
- How confidence, resilience, and networks help families thrive

This episode is a candid, insightful, and often humorous conversation about parenting, equality, and the ongoing need to challenge outdated systems. 

Whether you’re a parent, ally, or advocate, you’ll find inspiration in their stories of love, perseverance, and inclusion.

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLP_SauivNQ

To find out more about the services available from Diverse Matters please visit www.diversematters.co.uk

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Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Nine : Beyond Mum and Dad – LGB Parenting 1:01:39 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Eight - Black Lives Still Matter 1:02:22 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Seven : Disability, Accessibility and AI 46:34 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Six : Disability, Wellbeing and Naturopathy 55:56 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Five : Is the Charity Sector the Home of DEI? 1:00:33 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Four - Black Women and Health Inequalities 41:56 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Three - Moving from EEDI to Anti-Oppression 40:19 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty Two - Staying Well : Physically, Mentally and Emotionally 47:07 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty One - Race & Sexual Orientation 1:04:14 Episode Artwork Episode Twenty - LGB Inclusion - how far have we come? 52:06 Episode Artwork Episode Nineteen - Father’s Parenting - Fatherhood with Elliott Rae 1:05:41 Episode Artwork Episode Eighteen - Why family inclusion matters 41:09 Episode Artwork Episode Seventeen - How Can Black Women Show Up Authentically? 53:40 Episode Artwork Episode Sixteen - LGBT+ Inclusion in Schools-Education 1:12:36 Episode Artwork Episode Fifteen - Women in the Shade, Black Women in Uniformed Services 44:19 Episode Artwork Episode Fourteen : Trans Inclusion 56:30 Episode Artwork Episode Thirteen - Menopause and Nutrition 45:10 Episode Artwork Episode 12 - Bi Inclusion 1:12:24 Episode Artwork Episode Eleven - Banter in the Workplace 44:44 Episode Artwork Episode Ten - How ESG aligns with EDI and Wellness 41:54 Episode Artwork Episode Nine - Anti Racist Practices in Domestic Abuse Services 38:21 Episode Artwork Episode Eight - Staff Networks 47:27 Episode Artwork Episode Seven - Understanding Intersectionality in the Workplace 33:07 Episode Artwork Episode Six - Deaf Inclusion 52:41 Episode Artwork Episode Five - ADHD and Me 29:45