Regarding sexual orientation
People have diverse perspectives on who they are. This foundation allows one to determine whether they are emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to a given gender (male or female).
Parenting as LGBTQ
Parenting is a significant aspect of life that almost all adults experience. However, there are other ways for people to become parents. This may involve insemination, adoption, or surrogacy. Parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) can choose to have a child through any of the aforementioned ways. No matter how they got together, any couple can get pregnant and raise kids. The most common way of acquiring children among LGBTQ is through adoption.
LGBTQ Adoption
Adoption has been on the rise for LGBTQ parents who would like to have children. There have been several controversies and criticism of whether such parents are eligible for parenting children. According to Patterson (2009), there have been several issues surrounding the issue adoption of children, thus making it a subject of interest for authorities and policy makers. There are two types of adoption namely; stranger adoption, where the biological parents are believed not lack the capability of taking care of their children. The other is second-parent adoption whereby same-sex partners take care of their adopted child. The second has come to the attention of different bodies that deal with the adoption of children in several states, and therefore legal systems are put in place to address such cases.
Factors Influencing LGBTQ Adoption
Some LGBTQ parents move in as couples with children from their previous relationships. However, a majority of them prefer to adopt children. The following clinical issues could inform their decision. First, infertility which might have led to loss or change of self-identity. Just like any other person, LGBTQs may be affected by their inability to sire or give birth to children. Therefore, they end up settling for adoption, which is the alternative option for bringing up children (Lev & Sennott, 2013). Secondly, previous maltreatment by a close family member may influence an individual’s health needs. People who are assaulted either physically or sexually by their parents or close relatives are likely to develop mental defects and as a result, change their perspective on various issues including giving birth and getting married. As such, they may opt to change their sexual orientation but still choose to have children despite their sexuality.
Education and LGBTQ Parents
Children adopted by LGBTQ parents are entitled to access to education just like any others. Therefore, they need to be enrolled in school and interact with others. This promotes growth and a sense of belonging within the society. There is so much misconception about children raised by LGBTQs, and this trend has extended to the schools that they attend. In a study that entails interviewing parents, Gustavson & Schmitt (2011) clarifies that the manner in which schools perceive families on the basis of their diversity is entirely unclear. They further conclude that the schools’ curriculums should not condone any form of discrimination. All parents expect their children to be treated with utmost respect. Most importantly, they expect their children to be accepted despite their family backgrounds. However, children who are raised in LGBTQ families face several challenges including stigmatization because of the general perception of LGBTQs by the society.
Identity and Belonging in LGBTQ Families
The discussions surrounding LGBTQ parenting skill and abilities have been on the rise, and culturally, this kind of parenting is being used to focus on the question of identity and belonging. McKnight (2016) states that; culture affects how children raised in LGBTQ families identify themselves to a larger extent. What the author implies is that children learn through nurturing. Therefore, they are likely to adopt the behaviors and preferences of their parents and probably turn out to be just like them. However, this is debatable because many children brought up by same-sex parents do not have similar sexual preferences to those of their parent.
Identity Issues in LGBTQ Adoption
Also, Baumle and Compton conclude in their study that, LGBTQ parents are likely to have problems of identity and identification with after adopting children (2014). They explain that interviews with LGBTQ parent, many same-sex parents are not content with the identities of the children they adopt, thus resulting in constant misunderstanding and rejection from both parties. Such relationships are not healthy for the growth of children as they are likely to develop juvenile delinquency. This argument further adds to the doubt of whether LGBTQs can bring up children in the appropriate way.
Promoting Acceptance
An environment that allows these children to accept themselves and culturally incline to the beliefs of the society is highly recommended. This ensures that they feel accepted and also wanted. There are a lot of controversies regarding the subject of adoption of children by LGBTQs. However, the trend keeps increasing since more children are adopted by LGBTQs. Children raised in same-sex families deserve as much dignity and provision as any other children in the society. It is crucial for human beings to accept who they are with respect to their sexual orientation. This will help in self-acceptance and appreciation and therefore shun discrimination of any form.
References
Baumle, A. K., & Compton, D. L. R. (2014). Identity versus identification: How LGBTQ parents identify their children on Census surveys. Journal of Marriage and Family, 76(1), 94-104.
Gustavson, M., & Schmitt, I. (2011). Culturally queer, silenced in school? Children with LGBTQ parents, and the everyday politics of/in community and school. Lambda Nordica. Tidskrift för homo/lesbisk/bi/transforskning, 16(2-3), 159-187.
Lev, A. I., & Sennott, S. L. (2013). Clinical work with LGBTQ parents and prospective parents. In LGBT-Parent Families (pp. 241-260). Springer New York.
McKnight, M. (2016). Queerspawn on the Couch: A Guide for Clinicians Working With Youth and Adults with LGBT Parents. Columbia Social Work Review, 7, 11-18.
Patterson, C. J. (2009). Children of lesbian and gay parents: psychology, law, and policy. American Psychologist, 64(8), 727.
