Parental sexual orientation, parental gender identity, and the development of children

Abstract

In recent years, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) adults have become parents. LGBTQ+ parenthood does, however, remain a controversial topic across the United States and around the world. Several questions have been raised. For instance, to what extent do LGBTQ+ adults make capable parents? Do children who have LGBTQ+ parents grow up in healthy ways? What factors contribute to positive family functioning in families with LGBTQ+ parents? A growing body of social science research has addressed these questions, and the findings suggest both that LGBTQ+ adults are successful in their roles as parents and that their children develop in positive ways. Overall, the findings to date suggest that parental sexual orientation and gender identity do not in themselves determine success in parenting or child development; indeed, sexual and gender minority parents and their children have shown remarkable resilience, even in the face of many challenges. Contextual issues, as well as implications of research findings for law and policy around the world are discussed.

Keywords: Bisexual; Gay; Gender identity; Lesbian; Parent; Sexual orientation; Transgender.