Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 17:387–405, 2013 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC ISSN: 1935-9705 print / 1935-9713 online DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2013.771808 Celebrating the “Other” Parent: Mental Health and Wellness of Expecting Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Non-Birth Parents KIRA A. ABELSOHN, MPH Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada RACHEL EPSTEIN, MA Sherbourne Health Centre, LGBTQ Parenting Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada LORI E. ROSS, PhD Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) nonbirth parents have a unique role in the parenting spectrum. The term nonbirth parent refers to the expecting, nonpregnant partner. Previous work suggests that there are unique mental health stressors for LBQ nonbirth parents; however, research addressing this topic is scant. This qualitative study explored the factors that affect mental health and wellness in LBQ nonbirth parents during pregnancy. Results are organized into four themes: biology, connectedness, and relatedness; social recognition; social support; and changes during pregnancy. This This work was funded in part by the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s Lesbian Health Fund. L. Ross is supported by a New Investigator Award from CIHR and the Ontario Women’s Health Council, Award NOW-84656. In addition, support to CAMH for salary of scientists and infrastructure has been provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. This project would not have been possible without the generous support of Rachel, Mariko, and the LGBTQ Parenting Network for their time and expertise in the preparation and recruitment phases of this project. Enormous gratitude to the Researching for LGBTQ Health team for their consistent support, guidance and encouragement throughout this project. Last but not least, we would like to thank the wonderful parents who participated in this study, for sharing their time, their stories, and their thoughtful insights on parenting. Address correspondence to Kira A. Abelsohn, MPH, Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 455 Spadina Ave., Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2G8, Canada. E-mail: kira.abelsohn@gmail.com 387