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