I. Introduction......................................................................2

II. Societal Issues and Beliefs Facing Gay and Lesbian Parents.............4

III. Research on the Family Environment in Gay and Lesbian Homes......6

IV. Implications for Training......................................................9

V. Coping Strategies...............................................................11

VI. General Critique of the Literature............................................12

VII. Conclusions.....................................................................14

VIII. Works Cited.....................................................................15

As years pass, fewer families fit the traditional family mold of mother, father, two children and a dog. Diversions from this form are the result of divorce, chosen single motherhood and other factors. In recent years, another family form has emerged: gays and lesbians with children.

While this may seem to be an unlikely situation, researchers estimate that between one and five million women are lesbian mothers, and there are between one and three m

Over the last few decades the traditional definition of family has expanded to include a variety of households. Empirical research is necessary to create solid arguments for custody battles and other discrimination issues. Once these difficulties are settled, researchers and practitioners may focus on the special needs of these families, and develop any necessary interventions.

Research on the Family Environment in Gay and Lesbian Homes

Miller, J.A., R.B. Jacobsen & J.J. Bigner. (1982). The child's home environment for lesbian vs. heterosexual mothers: A neglected area of research. Journal of Homosexuality, 7, 49-56.

In many respects, gay and lesbian families are just like other families in counseling. They may enter counseling to discuss any number of problems, and may not identify parent homosexuality as the presenting problem or even as a critical issue. Nevertheless, counselors who choose to treat such families should be aware of the legal and societal issues facing them every day.

Patterson, C.J. (1992). Children of lesbian and gay parents. Child Development, 63, 1025-1042.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Harris Turner, Spencer Rutter, Parents Despite, Mucklow Phelan, Insemination DI, According Murphy, Coping Strategies, Cited15 Chapter, Ricketts Achtenberg, Version Bible, gay lesbian, lesbian families, gay lesbian families, journal homosexuality, homosexual families, et al, lesbian issues, gay lesbian issues, scored alike measures, homosexual issues, lesbian mothers, coping strategies, murphy 1992, gay lesbian parents, harris turner 1986,
Approximate Word count = 3107
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)