VisualGPS Creative Trends Culture LGBTQIA+ Families Living Lives, Not Labels

CONTENT SPOTLIGHT

LGBTQIA+ Families Living Lives, Not Labels

Vedrana Musić
Creative Development Manager
December 16, 2025
Last updated: January 24, 2026
2216672876, SolStock
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A wide shot of a man standing outside a fruit and veg grocer in Whitley Bay. The man is shopping with his son and partner for healthy ingredients to cook a meal. The son looks up at his father and smiles while the father holds an orange. Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2216672848, SolStock
A medium shot of a father and young son preparing fresh vegetables together in a modern kitchen. The father is chopping colourful produce for a healthy meal. A scene of family bonding and a healthy lifestyle at home. The son is sticking his thumbs up at his father while the father smiles at him with pride. Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2216673531, SolStock
A wide shot of a happy family shopping for fresh produce at a local greengrocer. Two fathers and their child interact with a friendly shopkeeper while buying vegetables. One of the fathers is holding a blue shopping bag while filling it up with the purchased goods.Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2216672876, SolStock

Parenthood without stereotypes 

Dad might be a gamer. Or he might be a gardener. Or he might be gay. None of that changes the fact that he’s a dad first. Getty Images’ VisualGPS research found that LGBTQIA+ representation often feels narrow, with nearly a third of visuals leaning on rainbow flags, or portrayals of gay men as ‘feminine’ or ‘flamboyant’. One area that remains especially underrepresented is LGBTQIA+ parenting. Research shows many LGBTQIA+ parents want to be seen as parents first, not defined by their sexuality.1 Yet much of the existing imagery emphasises the LGBTQIA+ aspect rather than everyday family life. 

A brief that put family first 

This image and video shoot by Solstock flips that narrative. This shoot answered a Getty Images brief focusing on family connection first. It included both heterosexual and same‑sex couples but didn’t highlight either. With no PDAs, loud colours or identity symbols in sight, the representation feels natural instead of performative. Highlighting human experience over sexuality means attention stays on the family bonding and healthy lifestyle. This aligns with what matters most to LGBTQIA+ audiences: 71% define success through healthy personal relationships and life experiences, according to our VisualGPS research.  

Shooting everyday life

In this LGBTQIA+ shoot, we see two dads and their son through day‑in‑the‑life slices. Together they browse the shelves of their local greengrocer, prepare a healthy meal and wash up. But it’s the true‑to‑life details that add to the charm: The boy swipes chopped veg along the way, wears a cheeky watermelon rind smile and the family dog scores scraps at end. Hoodies, reusable shopping bags and vegetable bake keep the styling casual and modern.  

Authenticity builds trust 

By shifting focus away from identity signifiers to real family life, the shoot broadens how LGBTQIA+ parents are seen, and how they see themselves reflected. This matters for brands. Our research shows 67% of LGBTQIA+ people believe companies should strive for authentic representation in their visual communication strategy. At the end of the day, audiences connect most with visual stories that feel real and relatable. When we show people living their lives, not just their labels, we build trust through emotional resonance. We keep the focus on the moments that portray LGBTQIA+ families as what they are: Families. 

A medium shot of a young boy smiling with the rind of a watermelon slice in his mouth as he looks away from the camera. His two fathers are behind him at the dining table, smiling at each other as they enjoy the homemade food on the table.Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2218219282, SolStock
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A wide shot of two fathers and their young son preparing fresh vegetables together in a modern kitchen. The child is learning to cut vegetables as his parents watch attentively. They are preparing food for a healthy family meal. A scene of family bonding and a healthy lifestyle at home. A spread of food can be seen on the table in front of them, such as sliced bread and watermelon.Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2216673489, SolStock
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A medium shot of a young boy shopping for meal prep in a fruit and veg grocer with his two fathers. One of the fathers is crouched down while holding a carton of eggs and smiling at his son. Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2216672836, SolStock
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A wide shot of a family having a meal together while sitting at a table in a kitchen in their family home. The two fathers are looking at their son while smiling, and one of them is passing the boy a plate of watermelon slices. An array of food is presented on the table for the family to eat.Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2218219232, SolStock
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A close-up shot of a brown haired dachshund dog sitting on its owner's lap while resting its head on the dining table. The family are having a meal together, and the dog is eyeing up a plate with food on it. Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2218219281, SolStock
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A wide shot of an adorable young boy dressed as a chef standing on a step stool at the kitchen counter, washing dishes at the sink. A curious dachshund looks up at him as he stands against the counter on two legs. A bright, modern kitchen with flowers and herbs in the background completes the wholesome home scene. Videos are available similar to this scenario.
2216672877, SolStock
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    Discover more insights on everyday LGBTQIA+ narratives. 

    Explore More from This Shoot
    Vedrana Musić
    Creative Development Manager
    Vedrana Musić was born in Sarajevo, raised in Sydney, and now calls the South of England home. As a Creative Development Manager at Getty Images, Vedrana draws on her filmmaking background to support creators and shape visual storytelling across our collections. Her work, which has screened at more than 40 international festivals, stays centred on visuals with heart. She loves to connect with creators and explore where a good story can take us.
    Learn more about this author
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    Sources
    [1] Global Qualitative Nursing Research

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