Family variety in Germany: A look at rainbow families and their rights

Family variety in Germany: A look at rainbow families and their rights

Father, mother, child? This classic picture comes from a long past time! The latest studies show that there are now more than 8 million families with underage children in Germany, including around 10,000 rainbow families . These are families in which at least one parent is trans*, inter*, lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer*. The sociologist Prof. Christine Wimbauer from Humboldt University in Berlin, who carried out this groundbreaking study for the pharmacy magazine "Parents", says: "Family is always where you take care of each other permanently and reliably."

Despite this colorful reality, non-traditional families still fight with considerable obstacles. While heterosexual couples, as soon as a child is born, automatically obtain parent status - regardless of whether the mother married with the mother is actually the biological father - look into the tube. You are about the arduous journey of a stepkindadoption process , which can drag over for years! Up to this point, the legal bond between the child and the non-biological parent remains completely uncertain.

fight for equality in family law

The federal government has recognized urgency and is planning a comprehensive reform of family law . At the beginning of the year, Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (FDP) presented key points for modernizing the descent and childhood law. A significant step: The stepkindadoption should be omitted for rainbow families! Prof. Wimbauer sees this initiative as an "first step in the right direction" , but at the same time warns in a hurry. According to the new regulation, the question remains unanswered whether several parents receive the same rights in certain constellations such as co-parenting. There is still a lot to do here, because these family forms also earn recognition!

support not only get rainbow families through political initiatives, but also through committed queer family centers that offer valuable help. The platform Regenbogenportal.de of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs can also be found, which informs and accompanies families in this special life situation.

The change is in sight, but the path remains rocky! Rainbow families require the same rights and respect. Your voices are getting louder, and that should stimulate society to rethink!