In the past decade, people whose bodies, genders or sexualities differ from socially expected norms have become more visible and have been granted greater recognition within the law. Yet despite this, many service providers do not have a strong understanding of the social and legal issues that continue to have a significant impact on these diverse groups of people and their relationships and families. In order to address this knowledge gap, this book brings together research findings from often disparate disciplines into an accessible and useful form for practitioners, as well as for researchers, academics, students, and the general public.

Part 1 defines key terms, and addresses the psychosocial and legal issues faced by trans or gender diverse, intersex, and/or non-heterosexual individuals. Part 2 looks at the psychosocial and legal aspects of couple relationships. Part 3 considers parenting and families. Part 4 discusses practical tips for professionals working with this client group, including specific content for lawyers and mediators. As a whole, this book both questions the presumed neutrality of the law, yet insists that it is possible for the law to play a key role in challenging cisgenderism and heterosexism.

PART 1: KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS AND ISSUES FACING INDIVIDUALS

1. Defining Sex, Gender and Sexuality

2. Defining Discrimination

3. Coming Out: Disclosure and visibility

4. Legal recognition

5. Discrimination

6. Particular issues for young people

7. Particular issues for older people

PART 2: RELATIONSHIPS

8. Formation of relationships

9. Relationship experiences

10. Social and legal recognition of relationships

11. Relationship difficulties and endings

PART 3: Parenting and Families

12. Formation and legal recognition of minority families

13. Life in minority families

14. Conflict in minority families

PART 4: ADVICE FOR PRACTITIONERS

15. Advice for Practitioners

16. Advice for Lawyers

17. Advice for Mediators

Product Reviews

• Book Review [DOC 38400]