Gay parents and children forming a family

According to the 2000 US census, 34.3 percent of lesbian couples and 22.3% of gay male couples were raising children . Census data also found that same-sex couples raising children live in 96% of counties in the United States. 

Although these families represent a considerable part of the population, the upbringing of homosexuals continues to be widely questioned , particularly by religious sectors that suggest that it negatively affects children. However, in-depth research has begun to dispel many arguments used against homosexual parenting.

CONSIDERATIONS

Most children who have at least one gay father or lesbian mother were born in the context of a heterosexual relationship that still exists or has dissolved. Determining the direct effects of homosexual parenting is complicated because many children of homosexual parents are also affected by separation from their biological parents.

GAY PARENTS VS. HETEROSEXUAL PARENTS

There are few differences between lesbian mothers and heterosexual mothers in terms of psychological functioning, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and attitudes and practices in raising children. In fact, lesbian mothers have been more committed to finding male role models for their children than divorced heterosexual mothers.

Similarly, there are more similarities than differences in the attitudes and parenting styles of gay and straight parents . In this sense, it should be noted that children are not raised according to a sexual condition or orientation … children are raised through the love that their parents feel for them. They are people who raise people.

FALSE SPECULATIONS

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry seeks to dispel common misconceptions about children raised by gay parents … and so it should be around the world. First, it is important to know that children of gay parents are not more likely to be gay or more sexually abused than children of heterosexual parents.

Furthermore, children with gay parents and children with heterosexual parents show no differences in gender identity or gender role behaviors. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics says that adult children of gay parents may be more willing to consider having a same-sex partner, they are not more likely to identify as gay.

CHILD WELFARE

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the sexual orientation of parents is not related to the emotional, behavioral, or psychosocial adjustment of children . Because having gay parents poses no additional risks to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that any conscientious and caring adult, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can be an excellent parent and should receive the same benefits, rights, and protections. of civil marriage to reinforce their strength as parents.

TIPS FOR GAY PARENTS

Although the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that children of gay parents are just as well adjusted as other children, gay parents have an additional responsibility to help their children deal with external issues like discrimination and bullying. Gay and lesbian parents can help their children by communicating openly about family, using media that showcase other non-traditional families, finding a support network, offering their children advice on how to respond to questions and teasing about their family, and living in a more responsive community.

What matters in this society in terms of family models is to understand that in a family gender does not matter so much as humanity. People love people, regardless of their sexual condition. Children should grow up in a home filled with respect, tolerance, and love.