Posted: March 3rd, 2022

Peculiarities of parenting at LGBT families

Peculiarities of parenting at LGBT families
Parenting in LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) families has grown significantly in recent decades as social acceptance of same-sex relationships and families has increased. While LGBT families face some of the same parenting challenges as heterosexual families, such as effective communication and setting boundaries, research shows they also encounter unique issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The number of LGBT families in the United States has more than doubled since 2000 according to census data. In 2000, there were approximately 63,000 LGBT families reported, growing to over 110,000 families by 2012 (Longhi, Franco, & Colombo, 2019). LGBT individuals and couples now have more options for building their families through adoption, surrogacy, donor insemination, or bringing children from prior heterosexual relationships.
However, LGBT parents still face discrimination, stereotypes, and homophobic attitudes in many social contexts. The fear of losing employment or child custody due to one’s sexual orientation prevents some from openly discussing their family structure (Faria, 2013). These negative societal views can then be internalized and negatively impact children’s development and self-esteem. Educating children, friends, and teachers about one’s sexual identity as a parent remains challenging.
Some argue that LGBT parenting may undermine traditional family structures and moral values (Faria, 2013). However, more recent research finds that children of LGBT parents demonstrate normal development across measures like emotional, behavioral, and social well-being (Pontes, Féres-Carneiro, & Magalhães, 2017). Therapists also report helping LGBT families address internalized homophobia and cope with external discrimination (Pontes et al., 2017).
Unique issues for LGBT parents include navigating biological relationships within “blended” families and dealing with lack of legal recognition or child custody rights in some jurisdictions (Faria, 2013). Overall, while research finds children thrive equally well in LGBT-parent households, societal acceptance of diverse family forms remains an ongoing discussion. With further social progress, the peculiar challenges faced by LGBT parents should continue to diminish.

Despite the progress made in terms of legal recognition and societal acceptance, LGBT parenting still faces challenges and peculiarities that are not typically encountered in heterosexual parenting. The traditional nuclear family, consisting of parents from both genders and their biological children, is often still seen as the ideal family structure in many societies. Same-sex marriages and LGBT families challenge these traditional norms and gender roles, which can lead to unique difficulties and prejudices (Longhi, Franco, & Colombo, 2019).
One of the significant challenges faced by LGBT parents is the potential complexity of co-parenting, especially when former partners and extended family members do not support same-sex marriages. This lack of support can create tension and conflict within the family dynamic, which can have an impact on the well-being of the children involved (Faria, 2013). It is crucial for LGBT parents to navigate these complexities and establish a supportive network of friends, family, and professionals who can provide guidance and understanding.
Internalized homophobia and external homophobia also pose challenges for LGBT parents. Internalized homophobia refers to the negative beliefs and attitudes that LGBT individuals may internalize due to societal stigma and discrimination. External homophobia refers to the prejudice and discrimination that LGBT individuals face from society at large. Both internalized and external homophobia can affect the mental health and well-being of LGBT parents, which, in turn, can impact their ability to provide effective parenting (Pontes et al., 2017).
Fortunately, there has been an increase in the number of therapists and counselors specializing in providing support and guidance to LGBT parents. These professionals help address issues related to discrimination, homophobia, and the unique challenges faced by LGBT families. Their presence and expertise demonstrate the recognition of the specific needs of LGBT parents and the importance of providing them with appropriate support (Pontes et al., 2017).
In conclusion, parenting in LGBT families presents unique challenges and peculiarities that are distinct from those faced by heterosexual families. Despite the increasing acceptance of same-sex relationships and families, discrimination, stereotypes, and societal attitudes still pose obstacles for LGBT parents. However, research consistently shows that children raised in LGBT families have similar outcomes to those raised in heterosexual families. As society continues to progress and embrace diversity, it is essential to provide support and understanding to LGBT parents and their families, ensuring that they have the resources and acceptance necessary to thrive (Longhi, Franco, & Colombo, 2019; Faria, 2013; Pontes et al., 2017).
References:
Faria, G. (2013). Family ties that bind: same-sex, same best interest: an analysis of the European Court of Human Rights approach to the best interests of the child in gay parenting cases. Diss.
Longhi, E. V., Franco, G., & Colombo, F. (2019). LGBT Families. Psychosexual Counseling in Andrological Surgery. Springer, Cham, 29-32.
Pontes, M. F., Féres-Carneiro, T., & Magalhães, A. S. (2017). Female same-sex parenting: biological and affective bonds in family dynamics. Psicologia USP, 28(2), 276-286.

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