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Same-Sex Parents Genogram Template
A genogram template for same-sex parent households; mapping couple structure, children, and family formation using standard genogram notation.
Same-Sex Parents Genogram Template
What This Template Shows
Three generations centered on two married mothers.
Mother 1's father is living; Mother 2's father is deceased.
The family has two children: a daughter (the primary person) conceived through donor conception, with the known sperm donor shown separately in the diagram, and connected to Mother 1 by a biological child line; and a son, adopted by both mothers, connected by a dashed adoption line.
Mother 2 has a close relationship with her mother. Both mothers have close relationships with both children, and the two children are close with each other.
The family formation notation is the structural focus; lesbian couple symbols for the two mothers, a biological child line showing the donor's genetic contribution alongside Mother 1's, and an adoption line for the son.
The symbol legend is displayed below the diagram. For full definitions and clinical usage, see Genogram Symbols Explained.
When to Use This Template
- Family therapy intake for same-sex parent households: map the couple structure, each child's biological and legal connections, and the extended family relationships before or during the first session.
- Adoption and donor conception documentation: document the legal and biological picture of a family formed through adoption, donor conception, or both, using correct notation for each relationship type.
- Social work assessment involving LGBTQ+ family structures: establish the full family picture including couple, children and extended family, for case documentation or support planning.
- MFT and counseling coursework: meets standard requirements for assignments involving diverse and non-traditional family configurations.
How to Use This Template
1. Download as-is
Click the PDF or PNG button under the embed to download immediately. Use as a session reference, supervision document, or teaching example for same-sex family notation.
2. Customize before downloading
Click "Use this genogram" to open the template in EasyGenogram. Replace the generic labels with real or fictional names, adjust the couple and family structure, and update the child connection lines and donor or birth parent notation to reflect the actual family.
Export as PDF or PNG when done, or share via link with a supervisor or colleague.
Same-Sex Parents Genogram Template
Explore this genogram and adapt it to your needs.
FAQ
How do you show a same-sex couple in a genogram?
A same-sex couple is shown using the appropriate gender symbols; two circles for two women, two squares for two men, connected by a standard marriage or partnership line. EasyGenogram includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary symbols in the symbol panel, allowing accurate representation of each partner's gender identity alongside the couple's relationship.
How do you show donor conception in a genogram?
A donor is placed in the diagram as a separate individual connected to the child by a biological child line on their side of the family. The line shows the genetic contribution without implying a parenting role. If the donor is known, they are labeled as such. If anonymous, they can be represented as an unknown individual. The parent who carried or legally established the child is also connected by the appropriate line from their side.
How is a same-sex parents genogram different from a standard family genogram?
The structure and notation are the same. The difference is in the symbols used and the family formation lines required. A same-sex parents genogram uses gender-specific couple symbols and may include donor conception lines, surrogacy notation, or adoption lines depending on how the family was formed.
Is this template free?
Yes. Open and customize it in EasyGenogram at no cost. Export requires a subscription for most users; students with a valid school email can export free.
Can I use this for an MFT or counseling assignment involving LGBTQ+ families?
Yes. The template follows McGoldrick-Gerson-Petry standard notation adapted for same-sex parent households. Open it in EasyGenogram, adjust the couple and family structure to match your assignment or case, and export as PDF for submission.