Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

School of Social Work

Advisor/Mentor

Stauss, Kimberly

Committee Member

Gallagher, John M.

Second Committee Member

Scott, Adrienne

Keywords

Arkansas; family; LGBTQ; parenting; rural; social work

Abstract

Since the U.S. Census Bureau first published data on “same-sex” households in 2011, research has repeatedly indicated the majority of 2SLGBTQIA+ parents (here on referred to as “queer parents”) reside outside of major cities in heavily populated regions of the country. However, due to widespread metronormative narratives about the queer experience, the experiences of queer parents in less-populated regions are rarely studied. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of queer parents in Northwest Arkansas, a region of the politically and religiously conservative Southern U.S. with areas both urban and rural. Applying grounded theory and drawing from queer theory to analyze semi-structured interviews of self-identified, coupled 2SLGBTQIA+ parents of children under 18 years old, the author finds several overarching themes: 1) the context of NWA affects the participants’ socialization of their children as a queer family; 2) perceived similarities to heterosexual-presenting parents; 3) perceived differences to heterosexual-presenting parents; and 4) advice to social workers and other service workers. This study responds to the lack of research on 2SLGBTQIA+ parents living outside of metro areas. The participants’ experiences illuminate the need for social workers and other social service workers to practice with cultural humility and engage in advocacy for the dignity and worth of this population.

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