Concerned about children being raised by a gay parent
Sometimes people are concerned that children being raised by a gay parent will need extra emotional support. Current research shows that children with gay and lesbian parents do not differ from children with heterosexual parents in their emotional development or in their relationships with peers and adults.
Research has shown that in contrast to common beliefs, children of lesbian, gay, or transgender parents:
- Are not more likely to be gay than children with heterosexual parents.
- Are not more likely to be sexually abused.
- Do not show differences in whether they think of themselves as male or female (gender identity).
- Do not show differences in their male and female behaviors (gender role behavior).
Raising children in an LGBT household
Some LGBT families face discrimination in their communities and children may be teased or bullied by peers.
Parents can help their children cope with these pressures in the following ways:
- Prepare your child to handle questions and comments about their background or family.
- Allow for open communication and discussions that are appropriate to your child’s age and level of maturity.
- Help your child come up with and practice appropriate responses to teasing or mean remarks.
- Use books, Web sites, and movies that show children in LGBT families.
- Consider having a support network for your child (For example, having your child meet other children with gay parents.).
- Consider living in a community where diversity is more accepted.
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