This is a difficult topic for me to form an opinion about, especially because there is not a lot of research about it. The Taking Sides book had a decent amount of information about same-sex couples, those living in the same household, and the number with children. But there is little information on the results of same-sex parenting. Dailey spends half of his article simply talking about how the data for same-sex households is incorrect, and the rest talks what he thinks would make homosexual couples poor parents. I don't entirely support either side of this issue. I think if homosexual couples desire to be parents and honestly believe they are capable of supporting a child, they should be able to raise a child. The question about whether the lack of a fatherly figure or motherly figure will affect a child pertains to more than same-sex couples. Many families lack one of the parental roles. Other people can fill in for those roles as needed. Furthermore, family roles are becoming more fluid. My worries lie in if the couple is ready to face the questions, attitudes, and controversy they will inevitably and unfortunately face in the world we life in. My other worry is the child's experience. I do not doubt that a same-sex couple can provide an extraordinary childhood experience, but I worry about the questions, pressure, jokes, and condescending language a child may go through. We've heard about homosexuals being teased, tormented, and harassed to the point of dropping out of school, depression, or even suicide. I worry a child's peers could have the same effect on a child with same-sex parents. I believe this area of same-sex parenting needs to be studied more. Even more importantly, I think society needs time to adapt to the idea of same-sex couple parenting, understand its dynamics, and realize that it can be either a positive or negative experience, just like heterosexual parenting can be both positive and negative.
1) Do you know anyone who was raised by a same-sex couple? What was their experience like?
2) Do you think some states provide a better climate for same-sex parenting?
As to question two, yes, I think there are many states that would be more safe for same-sex parents. In all honesty, I think their skills as parents are as good as any, but there are a lot of bigots in this world we live in. I think any state where gay marriage is legal for example, would probably be a better place for same-sex couples/parents, simply because they have more legal rights there, and a more tolerant environment is less likely to tease a kid about their parents.
ReplyDeleteYes, unfortunately the world we live in can be harsh and cruel. It will take time for people to adjust to this fairly modern change of lifestyles, and no doubt will their hardships along the way.
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