Gay, lesbian and bisexual parents
This topic may be anathema to many people but many gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are parents. For example, estimates of the numbers of lesbian
mothers In the United States range from 1 to 5 million and with the number of children ranging from 6 to 14
million.
Most gay or lesbian parents conceived their children in previous heterosexual relationships but
an increasing number of gay or lesbian parents have conceived children, often through artificial insemination, and raised them from birth
either as single parents or in committed relationships. Many other gay or lesbian people become parents through adopting or fostering children. Many studies have shown that the
children of gay or lesbian parents are as likely to be healthy and well adjusted as children raised in
heterosexual households. Children raised in gay or lesbian households do not show any
greater incidence of homosexuality or gender identity issues than other children. Children with gay or lesbian parents encounter some special
challenges related to the ongoing stigma against homosexuality, but most children surmount
these problems.
The American Psychological Association's (APA) Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Concerns Office has worked since 1975 to eliminate the stigma of mental illness which has been mistakenly associated with same-sex sexual orientation and to reduce prejudice, discrimination, and violence against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. In 1995 the APA produced an excellent report that examines many aspects of gay and lesbian parenting. The report is too large to post on this website, but you can read the report here.
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