Gay Parents Research Articles

Catholic teaching on same-sex parenting: a critical analysis

Catholic teaching on same-sex parenting: a critical analysis

What’s in a Name? Children’s Rights and Legal Voice within Administrative and Juridical Procedures of Recognition of Same-Sex Filiation

This performative text, consisting of writing and visualizations, explores children’s voices within court proceedings connected to the legal recognition of intended mothers within lesbian-parented families. The research used long-term ethnographic observations and biographical interviews focused on French and Italian families from the “activist generation” who devoted their efforts to obtaining reproductive and family rights. The article provides a critical account of the implementation of Article 12.2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (UNCRC)—that is the right to be listened to in judicial and administrative proceedings affecting children. Our main argument is that, in contrast to the intention of Article 12.2 of the UNCRC, children are given a more symbolic than substantial voice in court proceedings and administrative procedures. The text situates children’s voices both in the wider context and in everyday life. Drawing on ethnographic research data, we show where and to what extent children’s voices emerge or, on the contrary, are silenced. Keywords: same-sex parenting; filiation; children’s rights; ethnography; creative writing; visual methods; performative text; Euro-American kinship; Italy; France.

Creating a homoparental family in a heteronormative society: Quebec lesbian couples’ apprehension of parenthood.

Creating a homoparental family in a heteronormative society: Quebec lesbian couples’ apprehension of parenthood.

Whose Egg, Whose Sperm, Whose Household Registration? Reproductive Decisionmaking Among LGBT Parents in China

This article examines how LGBT individuals and couples in China make reproductive decisions in a sociopolitical context characterized by homophobia and an absence of LGBT familial rights and legal recognition. The existing literature on LGBTQ+ childbearing and family formation, based primarily in Euro-American countries, tends to focus on the central role of same-sex marriage legalization and features marriage as the core intimate bond that bestows parental and other familial rights. This article argues that China’s household registration (hukou) system is an equally, if not more, salient regulatory system that determines daily life opportunities, access to state-subsidized schooling and health care, life-long social welfare, and placement in a hierarchy of urban versus rural citizenship. LGBT intending parents in China make reproductive decisions with a child’s hukou in mind, treating genetic contributions, gestational labor, and legal parental status as flexible resources to achieve desired hukou outcomes. The hukou system encourages reproductive strategies that make and unmake LGBT kinship, securing family bonds that otherwise lack legal and social recognition while potentially risking parental precarity. The article suggests new directions for LGBT rights advocacy by focusing on the governing systems and statuses that determine access to key citizenship resources and family rights.

The Measurement Model of Family Strengths for Generation Alpha in the Thai Context.

The concept of the Thai family has shifted from the traditional family to families of various forms, such as single-parent families, same-sex families, skipped-generation families, and one-person households, which affects not only mental health, but future relationships of the children. This research aimed to analyze the factors that contribute to family strengths in the context of Generation Alpha and develop a measurement model tailored to a Thai context. The sample consisted of parents and caregivers of Generation Alpha, divided into two sections, with 521 participants for exploratory factor analysis and 508 participants for confirmatory factor analysis. Using stratified random sampling, data were collected via questionnaires distributed across four regions of Thailand. The discrimination index ranged from 0.280-0.896, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.952. The results revealed a measurement model consisting of five key factors contributing to family strengths. The factor with the highest score was positive relationships, with a factor loading of 0.92. Additional factors included technology and media literacy, parental roles, good attributes, and mental immunity, with a factor loading of 0.80, 0.74, 0.55, and 0.44, respectively. The measurement model of family strengths for Generation Alpha in the Thai context was found to be consistent with the empirical data. These findings suggest that understanding these family strengths can significantly enhance the well-being of both Generation Alpha and their family members.

Procreative Possibilities: Analyzing The Philosophical And Ethical Dimensions Of Queer Couples Raising Children

Families are what matters the most, so how do queer families handle their roles? This research paper addresses the metaphysical aspects of queer couples raising children, going against traditional family roles. It also examines the ethics of parenthood, the associated moral considerations when queer couples decide to become parents and questions how responsibilities are perceived in queer households. It examines the ethical, social and legal implications of Aided Reproductive Technologies (ART) and adoption policies. Queer people have existed for centuries although these types of families are rather modern concepts. “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) parents raise well-adjusted children” .The study endeavors to explore conventional beliefs about gender, sexuality, and the nuclear family by referencing feminist, queer, and intersectional theories. We wish to understand what prejudices are held against the children of these queer couples and how they handle such issues. In particular, the research focuses on the duties and ethical issues of persons who abandon past relationships or familial commitments to form queer families. It also explores the philosophical and ethical aspects of moving from a heterosexual lifestyle to a queer one. And in abandoning these responsibilities how these individuals disrupt the conventional family structures. It also looks at the positive ways in which such parenting can impact our societies and fundamentally change the way we look at diversity, equality and justice. In a changing society where traditional ideas of family are being reinvented, this research is crucial. It offers a thorough philosophical examination that can improve social fairness, guide public policy, and advance a more accepting conception of parenthood and family variety. Through an analysis of modern discussions and case studies, this paper seeks to enhance the understanding of family and parenthood to be more inclusive in the 21st century.

Parenting and psychological adjustment during middle childhood in lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parent families formed through assisted reproduction.

Parenting and psychological adjustment during middle childhood in lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parent families formed through assisted reproduction.

Supplemental Material for Parenting and Psychological Adjustment During Middle Childhood in Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parent Families Formed Through Assisted Reproduction

Supplemental Material for Parenting and Psychological Adjustment During Middle Childhood in Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parent Families Formed Through Assisted Reproduction

P-480 Demographic and family-based predictors of Dutch societal attitudes towards surrogacy

Abstract Study question What factors shape societal attitudes toward surrogacy in a representative sample of the adult population? Summary answer Participants’ demographic factors (education, sexuality, ethnicity, religiosity) and factors related to surrogacy families (parental composition, social bond oocyte donor) predict attitudes toward surrogacy. What is known already Attitudes toward surrogacy families frequently have a negative influence on the well-being of these families. Counselling will help surrogacy families cope with negative reactions. Current debates regarding legislation on surrogacy show diverse attitudes towards surrogacy. Previous studies hint at attitudes toward surrogacy being influenced by demographic factors such as age, education, sexual preference, ethnicity, urbanization and religiosity, and factors of surrogacy families such as parental composition (cisgender different-sex parents, same-sex parents and transgender parents) and social or genetic bonds between the surrogate, oocyte donor and parents. Study design, size, duration This vignette study included a representative sample of 1075 adults from the Dutch population, who filled out a questionnaire in June 2023. The vignettes used were descriptions of a surrogacy family and gave context to the questionnaire. Vignettes varied the following aspects; sexuality and gender of parents, and social and genetic bonds between the parents, the surrogate, and the oocyte donor. Participants were asked about their attitudes on four randomly assigned vignettes. Participants/materials, setting, methods Demographic information of the participants was collected via questionnaires. We designed vignettes accompanied by a questionnaire to measure attitudes (α between .81 and .91). Multilevel regression analysis was performed with attitudes as the dependent variable and demographic factors (age, education, sexual preference, ethnicity, urbanization and religiosity) and aspects of surrogacy families (parental composition, genetic and social bonds with the surrogate and oocyte donors) as predictors. Main results and the role of chance Attitudes are influenced by most studied demographic factors. People were more likely to have positive attitudes when they were either higher educated, identified themselves as non-heterosexual, had a Dutch background, or were less religious. Age and urbanization did not predict attitudes. Factors related to the parental composition of a surrogacy family predicted attitudes. A cisgender man and a cisgender woman were judged more positively compared to two cisgender men or when a transgender person was involved. Oocyte donation from a friend or sister was judged more negatively compared to an oocyte from the oocyte bank (without a social bond to the parents). Attitudes were more negative when oocyte donation took place than when oocytes of an intended mother were utilized (p values range between .007 and < .001). There was no difference between the presence and absence of social and genetic bonds between parents and surrogates. There were no differences in the presence or absence of a genetic bond between parents and oocyte donors. No differences were found between a surrogate using her own oocytes compared to donated oocytes. Limitations, reasons for caution The study was limited to one European country. Furthermore, all participants participated in monthly questionnaires. Although a representative sample of the Dutch population was used, willingness to participate monthly in questionnaire studies might influence generalizability. Wider implications of the findings Based on our findings, it will be possible to inform cisgender different-sex, same-sex and transgender parents of the societal reactions they might encounter and counsel them on how to best deal with these reactions. The attitude towards known oocyte donors warrants us to initiate more investigation. Trial registration number not applicable

Growing Up with Same-Sex Parents: An Exploration on Filipino Teenagers with Having Same-Sex Couples as Parents

This research investigates various formation processes that have been developed by teenagers who have same-sex couples as parents. Same-sex parenting in the Philippines faces challenges due to deep religious traditions that view it as unconventional. This topic aims to explore the experiences of Filipino teenagers undergoing puberty with same-sex couples as parents, focusing on adopting and raising a child of a relative. The study revealed that adolescents experienced various challenges despite having same-sex parents. In our analysis of this topic, this study found out the possible causes of adolescents in their adjustments in society including their socializing with other people, difficulty in opening the topic about their same-sex parents, difficulty in making friends, lack of communication with their same-sex parents, and also in their experiencing changes in the body and its behavior during their adolescence in the care of their same-sex parents. This study resulted in the teenagers' behavioral changes, the majority being the teenagers’ sole perception on different things without much influence from their same-sex parents and their socialization being unaffected due to the environment that they live in. However, these results are dependent on how their parents raised them and how the society reacts with their family structure.

Unraveling Heteronormativity inside Colombian Family Law: Juridical Perspectives on the Economic Differences between Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Couple Relationships

This research paper analyzes the sufficiency of the economic implications of couples’ relationships regulation for same-sex couples after both marriage and unmarried cohabitation laws were judicially extended on these family forms in Colombia. I start describing the existing regimes for these marital relationships in Colombian law and how heterosexuality and economic dependence are embedded inside the regulations’ origins and current developments. Then, I identify the categories that show slight differences between same-sex and opposite-sex couples like the likelihood of having children and its impact on caregiving distribution, the domestic tasks allocation and the existing gender differences in access to the labor market and the income disparity. Based on these differing features and a theoretical framework that warns about sameness discourses that obscure the differences between gay, lesbian, and straight families, I critically analyze some empirical studies conducted in Colombia that reveal existing differences between heterosexual and homosexual households. This analysis invites future research to gather the absent data in Colombia concerning same-sex families to bring proposals of legal interpretation and law reform that are better equipped for all family forms.

Opposites attract? Mixed-sex parents' and siblings' sport participation differentiates youth athletes' perceived parenting climates.

Guided by family systems and achievement goal theories, this study examined how the sex of athletes and their main sport parents, as well as sport participation patterns (same sport, different sports, and no sports) of parent-athlete and sibling sex compositions (same-sex and mixed-sex), differentiated athlete perceptions of parenting climates-task-involving (emphasizing individual improvements, effort, and mastery) and ego-involving (emphasizing winning and performance comparison). Participants were 353 U.S. high school athletes (Mage=15.52 and SD=1.18; 55% male) who completed a survey on perceived parenting climates, family compositions, and sport backgrounds of their parents and siblings. We conducted six moderated regression analyses, two of which used (1) athlete sex and main sport parents' sex, (2) sport participation patterns of parent-athlete sex compositions, or (3) sport participation patterns of sibling sex compositions as independent variables. Four of the analyses were statistically significant with small effect sizes, showing that (1) boys perceived greater ego-involving climates than girls; (2) athletes whose same-sex parents played sports (same or different sports) compared to no sports-perceived greater task-involving climates: (3) athletes whose mixed-sex parents played (same or different sports) compared to no sports-perceived greater task-involving climates and less ego-involving climates; and (4) athletes whose mixed-sex siblings played different sports than they did, compared no sports, and perceived greater task-involving climates. None of the interactions were significant. Findings provide theoretical and practical implications by incorporating motivational climates, addressing the potential relationships of parents' and mixed-sex siblings' sport participation to adaptive parenting climates.

Bi-Invisibility in Academia; the Intentional and Accidental Erasure of Bi + Parents in Research and Recommendations for Future Research

It is incredibly common for research focusing on bi + populations generally, and bi + parents specifically, to cite a lack of research as a reason for their own study. However, few papers have explored the research practices that contribute to bi-invisibility, and the specific erasure of bi + parents. This paper identifies four commonplace research practices that make invisible bi + parents’ experiences in academia: 1. ignoring bi + parents, 2. erasing bi + parents, through unlabeling and accidental or intentional mislabeling, 3. aggregating bi + parents with other groups, generally lesbian and gay parents, and 4. adopting recruitment strategies that lead to bi + parents being underrepresented. This article discusses how these research practices are related to monosexism, heteronormativity, and the epistemic contract of bisexual erasure (Yoshino, 2000). It also identifies certain groups of bi + parents who receive a disproportionately low amount of research attention. Recommendations for researchers are provided, with the aim of improving the field of research concerning LGBTQ parent families.

Opposition to Same-Sex Parenting as Sexual Prejudice: Validity Evidence of a Model and Associated Factors in the Brazilian Context

The Beliefs about Children’s Adjustment in Same-Sex Families Scale (BCASSFS) is an instrument that measures rejection of the child-rearing and educational practices of same-sex parents. This scale evaluates beliefs that are organized in a bifactorial model referring to Individual Opposition and Normative Opposition. This study aimed to adapt the BCASSFS and examine its validity in the Brazilian context with a sexually diverse sample. A national survey was carried out with a sample of 1038 participants. It was used a sociodemographic questionnaire; a version of the BCASSFS adapted for the Brazilian context; a measure of sexual prejudice; and a measure of conservatism. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit indices for the model suggested for the original scale. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis showed that the BCASSFS displayed measurement invariance between subsamples of different profiles, such as heterosexual-cisgender and LGBT + participants. Investigations of concurrent, convergent and criterion validity also showed that both scale factors were associated with theoretically related variables, in line with the literature. Together, these results show that the BCASSFS has good validity and can be used in the Brazilian context. By confirming the replication of the original model, this study contributes to broadening knowledge about these dimensions of sexual prejudice.

Family‐building desires among adopted adolescents with lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parents

AbstractObjectiveThis study qualitatively examined family‐building desires of diverse adopted adolescents.BackgroundResearch on parenting aspirations has rarely included youth with LGBTQ+ parents and/or from adoptive families. Understanding diverse adopted adolescents' feelings about parenthood may yield insights regarding identity and ideas about family.MethodsWe conducted a thematic analysis of interview data from 48 adopted adolescents (27 were LGBTQ+) in the United States, aged 13 to 18, from lesbian, gay, and heterosexual two‐parent families.ResultsMost adolescents desired future parenthood, after achieving other normative milestones, and they typically did not feel familial or societal pressure to become parents. LGBTQ+ participants showed a preference for adoption while transracially adopted adolescents preferred biological parenthood.ConclusionGuided by developmental approaches about identity and adoption, as well as queer family theory, we found that teenagers adopted by lesbian, gay, and heterosexual couples generally envisioned parenthood for themselves. Plans to do so varied by minoritized gender, sexual, and racial/ethnic identities. Thus, an intersectional perspective is imperative to understand youths' thoughts about family building.ImplicationsOur findings reveal insights into adopted adolescents' constructed future identities. Practitioners' understanding of adopted adolescents' development and future planning may be enhanced when adolescents' perspectives are considered.

Queer representation in children’s books beyond two moms or two dads

PurposeThis article aims to help educators provide a holistic view of the LGBTQ community by highlighting children’s books that include non-parental LGBTQ characters.Design/methodology/approachThe author selected over 80 children’s books honored by the American Library Association’s Rainbow Book List. Twenty-two books were analyzed that contain examples of LGBTQ adults existing beyond the homonormative nuclear family, e.g. two same-sex parents raising children.FindingsThe author discusses various ways of living represented in these books, such as chosen families, extended families, romantic partnerships and singlehood.Originality/valueWith the increased number of high-quality LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books published in the past decade, this study provides the foundation for educators to select various texts that reveal diverse representations of LGBTQ individuals.

Exploring the intersection of gender identity and homoparental family structure: Implications for educational, family and personal well-being in Spanish students.

This study explores the relationship among self-perceived gender, family type (heteroparental or homoparental) and socioeconomic factors concerning various educational, family and personal well-being domains. The data are derived from a large sample of 69,088 students from 465 schools (65% public; 35% private or semi-private) in Spain. Five separate multi-level generalized mixed (logistic or linear) regression models were calculated. Key findings include that non-binary students from homoparental families reported lower evaluations in multiple dimensions, suggesting the need for additional support. Likewise, students from homoparental families exhibited lower personal well-being and family relationship assessments, possibly due to perceived social stigmatization and peer bullying. This study sheds light on the complexities of gender identity and family type in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for students' well-being and academic success.

Gay Dads to Be: Reflections on Gender, Sexuality, Family, and Race in Adoption and Surrogacy

Prospective gay fathers must carefully prepare, plan, and think about parenting—often for years—before they become parents. This article explores how different paths to parenthood provide opportunities for Canadian gay men to reflect upon their preferences for surrogacy or adoption, the meaning of fatherhood in the absence of a woman as a primary caregiver, and the opportunities and potential shortcomings of gay fatherhood. Based on analysis of 23 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Canadian prospective gay fathers, I show that adoption and surrogacy foster different degrees of reflection along the journey to fatherhood. I argue that gay men who pursue surrogacy express masculine competence and draw upon scripts of conventional fatherhood, while gay men who pursue adoption experience a disruption in their masculine competence and must reflect on their potential inadequacies as male parents. Further, I include a brief discussion of some counterevidence: these pressures on the journey to gay fatherhood can be resisted through a queer, anti-racist, and feminist consciousness.

Comfort with LGB people and attitudes toward same-sex parenting in Continental American Hispanic Nations

Negative attitudes toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) individuals leads to a perceived inability of LGB individuals to foster ‘appropriate’ family relationships, inciting negative attitudes specifically toward same-sex parenting. Intergroup and interpersonal relationships play a critical role in fostering attitudes toward others wherein type of contact, frequency, degree of closeness in the relationship, and the positivity/negativity of interactions are potential mediator of these relations, Moreover, the mechanism behind co-constructing positive relationships with sexual and gender minorities is comfort with contact with LGB individuals. The present study explored the effects of interpersonal contact and the mediator role of comfort with LGB people in explaining attitudes toward same-sex parenting in Spanish-speaking countries in North, Central, and South America. These countries are of particular interest given the dearth of research in the region on attitudes toward same-sex parenting as well as the varying degrees of acceptance of and protections for same-sex parented families. A non-probabilistic sample of 1955 heterosexual cisgender participants from 14 countries was asked to complete a series of sociodemographic questions, a questionnaire about their interpersonal contact/comfort experiences with LGB people, and the Attitudes Toward Gay and Lesbian Parenting Scale. Results showed that comfort was vital in fostering accepting attitudes toward Same-Sex Parenting across countries. Findings also suggested that comfort with LGB people has a particularly powerful influence in regions with less legal and cultural acceptance of LGB individuals. Policies are not enough to instill widespread change: we must encourage, facilitate, and supervise the formation of relationships with LGB people.

Having children in cross-border contexts: late-family formation among homoparental families in Spain.

Considered until recently unfit to rear children, non-heterosexual people have been excluded from forming families in most countries. Many, worldwide, demand access to family formation, claiming the same aptitudes as heterosexual people for raising children. However, when non-heterosexual singles and couples want to become parents in Spain, they must consider transnational contexts, resorting to inter-country adoption or surrogacy abroad, processes that contribute to delay their family formation. They must consider not only Spanish sociocultural conditions, but other countries' legal restrictions regarding parents' gender, social status, and sexual identity. These families experience great difficulty in gaining access to reproductive health services. Based on multi-site ethnographic fieldwork, this text addresses how, despite legislative changes allowing homoparental family formation in Spain, these parents must overcome complex bureaucratic processes when they decide to have children, while facing homophobic attitudes and policies in their quests to become parents.