Why Feeling Connected Might Be the Most Surprising Fertility Boost for LGBTQ+ Parents

Do you ever wonder if feeling connected to a community could be just as important as the medical side of conception? It might sound a bit out there, but a recent study from Pew Research really made me stop and think about how critical community ties are — especially for LGBTQ+ folks trying to build their families.

In their May 2025 report, "Community, friends and LGBTQ spaces," Pew found that only about a quarter of LGBTQ adults feel very or extremely connected to the broader LGBTQ community, with another 42% feeling somewhat connected. That leaves a significant 35% who don’t feel much or any connection at all.

Why does this matter? Because, as someone who’s been following and sharing journeys of at-home conception, I’ve noticed something powerful: those connections can be a game-changer for emotional resilience and even success on the path to parenthood.

Lonely journeys are harder journeys

Trying to conceive can be isolating, no matter who you are. But for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, there’s often an added layer of complexity — from navigating medical systems that aren’t always inclusive, to figuring out legal and social obstacles, to the emotional rollercoaster of it all. Feeling part of a community offers a kind of emotional anchor, and that anchor can make the difference between giving up and pushing forward.

And for those of us who choose at-home conception methods, the sense of community can provide practical support too — sharing tips on insemination kits, personal success stories, and even discreet product recommendations.

At-home insemination kits: Empowerment meets community

If you’re new to at-home conception, it might feel a little intimidating. But companies like MakeAMom have been revolutionary for so many. They offer reusable insemination kits designed to support a variety of needs — whether it’s low motility sperm with their Impregnator kit, low-volume or frozen sperm with CryoBaby, or sensitivities like vaginismus addressed with the BabyMaker kit.

What’s truly remarkable? These kits are packaged plainly, shipped discreetly, and come with tons of educational resources. Users report an average success rate of 67%, which is impressive for a home-based method. Plus, their cost-effectiveness removes another barrier to family building.

But beyond the products, MakeAMom reflects a larger movement centered on autonomy and community support — something the Pew study highlights as so vital.

So, how do you start feeling connected?

If you resonate with that feeling of being somewhat or not connected, here are a few tips to bridge that gap:

• Seek out LGBTQ+ fertility groups online and offline. Platforms like Facebook, Meetup, and Instagram have communities dedicated to queer family building.
• Attend local LGBTQ+ events or family-building workshops. Even virtual events can spark connections.
• Share your journey. Sometimes simply opening up in safe spaces invites support you didn’t know was there.
• Explore inclusive resources and products. Using tools designed with your needs in mind — like MakeAMom’s kits — reminds you that your journey matters.

What about the “somewhat connected” folks?

Feeling only somewhat connected can be a little bittersweet, like you have one leg in the community but your heart’s still looking for a place to fully belong. Maybe you’re surrounded by allies but still craving queer-specific support, or you live where LGBTQ+ spaces are limited.

In those cases, leaning into peer support and storytelling platforms can be transformational. For example, JourneyTogether was created to spotlight real stories and offer peer support for innovative at-home conception methods — a perfect place to find those heartfelt connections and practical advice.

The surprising fertility boost of community

Okay, so I’ve teased a bit about community being a fertility boost — how does that add up?

Stress, anxiety, and isolation can all negatively affect fertility. Emotional well-being is a huge piece of the puzzle — and feeling connected to others who get your experience can lower stress and boost confidence. When you feel supported, you’re more likely to keep trying, experiment with new methods, and advocate for yourself.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone on your path to parenthood, remember it’s not just about the biology or the perfect insemination kit — it’s about the community that lifts you up along the way.

What’s your story? Have you found strength in community or through at-home conception methods? Share your experience with us below — your voice might be the connection someone else needs right now.

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For those curious, take a deeper dive into the Pew Research’s findings on LGBTQ community connection here: Community, friends and LGBTQ spaces.

And if you’re exploring at-home conception options tailored for LGBTQ+ family builders, check out MakeAMom’s innovative and discreet insemination kits. Their thoughtful designs and supportive resources might just be the ally you didn’t know you needed.

Together, we’re rewriting the story of parenthood — one connected, courageous step at a time.