We have the method but still there is so much to do: mediation for gender and sexually diverse relationships

In this chapter I question whether the practices of family mediation which have evolved over the past few years in England and Wales are sufficiently equipped and suitable for the variety of family structures which challenge the dominant model of nuclear families based on heterosexual different- sex relationships. I argue that family mediation practices in England and Wales have proved themselves to be insufficient (or inadequate) to meet the needs of gender and sexually diverse families. It seems to me that the reasons lie predominantly in the inherently heteronormative genesis of current practices. Therefore, greater understanding of the diversity of family structures and the impact of sexual orientation and gender identity in mediation training and practice is needed.