The aim of the present study was to describe the scientifi c literature on families constituted by lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals, through a systematic review of national and international studies published between 2009 and 2013. The following databases were searched: Scientifi c Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Periodicos Eletronicos de Psicologia (PePSIC), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciencias da Saude (LILACS), Index Psi, PsyINFO and PUBMED. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 145 articles were selected for review. Most studies were international, empirical, cross-sectional and quantitative, with a focus on lesbian parenthood. Content analysis of the articles revealed two major categories with a series of subcategories each: (a) Parenting (expectations, perceptions and transition to parenting; routes to parenthood; family dynamics and functioning; homophobia; and theoretical and methodological issues in the study of parenting in sexual minorities); (b) Marriage (marriage legalization; marital dynamics; support network; and homophobia). This review provides an updated and extensive discussion of the research into families headed by sexual minorities. Major fi ndings are summarized and critically evaluated, and suggestions for future research are described.