There are many myths surrounding gay and lesbian parenting. One being the accusation that many homosexual parents are introducing their children to a peculiar way of life, and perhaps convincing their children to follow in their footsteps. Homosexuality cannot be "caught" nor "taught" for that matter. Neither homosexuality nor heterosexuality is contagious. For more than two decades, both the American psychological Association and the American psychiatric Association have removed homosexuality from their diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders because it is an innate characteristic (A.B.A, 1987).

In a study of twenty-four homosexual fathers, and twenty-nine h

(5). "Understanding Sexual Orientation." 25 Nov. 2000.

Gay and lesbian couples do not just jump into the situation of parenting (unless a child has already been brought into the world from a previous "straight" marriage) the prospect requires long periods of thought and planning before their decision is finally made. Gay and lesbian partners take into consideration all of the factors discussed here, the prejudices and the myths before deciding to adopt or conceive by other means. These parents want the best for their children, and adopt to provide them with a love that they are capable of giving.

"Problems, prejudices and discrimination exist within lesbian, gay and bisexual communities as they do throughout society (4)." It is often thought that children from these types of environments endure more hardships and troubles in school than others. This is a false belief. It is common for all children to be harassed and humiliated throughout adolescence. All children endure the hardships of growing up and being different in one way or another. The same scenario is prevalent in every child's life, whether derived from heterosexual or homosexual parenting. Any sign of difference is grounds for exclusion as a child.

There is the myth that gay and lesbian parents have different relationships than heterosexual parents, and that will ultimately have negative affects on their children. However, they can be just as compassionate and understanding as traditional parents can. The similarities are strong when comparing both groups. Children are allotted the same nurturing whether it is from a qualified heterosexual parent, or qualified homosexual parent. They too strive to have long lasting committed and valuable relationships. They offer love, and studies show that they have the tendency to be more open with family members (2).

(7). Carole, J. (1994). "Are Children at Risk for Sexual Abuse By Homosexuals?"

Conversion Therapy." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 62

(6). Bigner, J.J., Jacobsen, R.B.(1992) "Adult Response to Child Behavior and Attitudes

(2). Family Pride Coalition. "Issues and News." Family Pride Coalition. 25 Nov.

cultural minority." Houston: Proceedings of the 15th National Lesbian

For the most part, gay and lesbian couples are more established than the traditional set of p

Some common words found in the essay are:
Association American, Parenting Parenting, Clinical Psychology, Pride Coalition, Sexual Orientation, House House, Journal Homosexuality, gay lesbian, Minorities Gay, sexual orientation, nov 2000, Gay Non-Gay, Houston Proceedings, 25 nov, 25 nov 2000, lesbian parents, gay lesbian parents, lesbian gay, family pride coalition, role models, pride coalition, sexual abuse, family pride, gay lesbian parenting, journal consulting clinical,
Approximate Word count = 1611
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)