Gay And Lesbian Families

Recent estimates have shown that about 5-15% of gay couples and about 25 -30% lesbians are parents. Some homosexual parents prefer not to disclose their identity, therefore these figures cannot be accurately estimated. Some homosexual couples have children through their previous heterosexual marriage, others through adoption and some even have kids through modern reproductive technologies.

In the past, homosexuality was seen as a disorder and there were laws that banned homosexual couples from adoption, because they were assumed to be inadequate as parents. Today, that idea is no longer entertained in many countries and homosexual adoption is legalized in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Belgium, Argentina, Spain, Uruguay and South Africa.

Recent studies revealed that gay and lesbian parents are as capable and effective in bringing up their children as heterosexual parents. The children of homosexual parents are the same as the children of heterosexuals in terms of peer relationships, mental health and other behaviours. Moreover, the children of gay and lesbian parents do not differ from other children in their sexual orientation. A large number of children from gay and lesbian families are heterosexual.

Another study reported that children of homosexual families felt slightly less parental control to conform to gender roles, compared to children from heterosexual families. However, these children reported greater sexual questioning and uncertainty about future heterosexual relationships. Gay and lesbian parents are often concerned that their children will be stigmatized due to their parents orientation. Therefore, the major issues children of gay and lesbian families face is related to living in a non supportive society.