Newspapers / Lambda (Carolina Gay and … / April 1, 2011, edition 1 / Page 17
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But such notions have also been proven invalid through research. Observational studies conducted by developmental psychologists have revealed that children with same-sex parents develop in the same manner as children with opposite-sex parents. They physically, mentally, and emotionally develop no differently from those with opposite-sex parents. In fact, children with same-sex parents show higher levels of self-esteem and have less behavioral problems than children with heterosexual parents. Remember the “True Life: I have Gay Parents”? Aidan, a liberal pansexual, has two moms; Hope, an adopted African American girl, has two fathers; Cooper has two mothers who help him search for his biological father. The episode portrayed their lives as “normal,” or no different from kids with heterosexual parents. So why the stigma, fear and ignorance? The point, however, is that queer couples can start their own families if they choose. There is such a thing as a happy ending in which two LGBT parents happily hold their child up together in a family portrait. The stigma attached to same-sex parents should not be a factor that prevents LGBTQ couples from starting families. If anything, such stigma could be a motivation to start their own families, to show that they are no different from heterosexual parents. We must show that we are more than capable of loving and raising a child. We must invalidate accusations that gay people are “sexual deviants” or “child molesters.” Every individual has the right to start a family and raise a child if they chose, regardless of their sexual orientation. Ann and Sabrina are fully dedicated parents, ensuring that their daughter is surrounded with love and affection, and plenty of toys, clothes, food, diapers, etc. My parents spoil her with toys and clothes, and my mother is always looking for something new to buy for her first grandchild. If anything, our baby girl has brought the family much closer together. She is surrounded by so much love and support from her parents, from her grandparents, from the family members that have met her, from family members that have yet to meet her, from friends... And in the end, isn’t that what really matters? Now, I understand that not everyone is as fortunate as my sister to be able to find a sperm donor, but there are plenty of fertility options such as egg/sperm donations, surrogacy, and unless you’re absolutely intent on having your own child, adoption. To find out more information about fertility options, you can also check out the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine at http://www.nccrm.com/ which is an affirming organization located in Cary, North Carolina. LAMBDA 17
Lambda (Carolina Gay and Lesbian Association, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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April 1, 2011, edition 1
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