Abstract The relationships between straight and "new" parents and gay children undergo complex social and psychological processes that lie mostly beyond their immediate emotional and social controls. This paper examines those processes, relevant theories of explaining those processes, and the positions of straight parents and gay kids in the processes.
Abstract The paper describes how homosexual-parent families are very much a part of society. The writer argues that there are many misconceptions about these families, but through examining professional literature and looking at the facts, those misconceptions are debunked. The writer proposes that gay and lesbian parents are no different from heterosexual parents in their commitment and ability to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. The writer concludes that accepting the presence of gay and lesbian parents and providing them with the rights and support they need will be a big step towards improving the well-being of these parents and the children that they raise.
From the Paper "The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize homosexuality as a mental disorder, and urge all mental health professionals to counter "the stigma of mental illness that had long been associated with homosexual orientation" (American Psychological Association 2005). Likewise, it has not been shown that gays become bad parents due to a lack of parenting skills or a lack of time. Because gender roles are not clear-cut in homosexual relationships, gays and lesbians are actually able to divide household and family labor relatively evenly, and report higher levels of domestic satisfaction (Johnson and O'Connor 2002)."
Abstract This paper explains that the number of children adopted by gay men and lesbian parents has increased as more state laws have relaxed the prohibition on these types of adoptions and as more social workers and agencies now are willing to accommodate and intervene for them. The author points out that this changing trend has lead to critical concerns about sexual orientation, the probability of molestation, teasing and harassment of the child, which have created a dilemma for the social workers between the need for adoptive families and the principles of his or her profession. The paper relates that research suggests that the adopted children of gay and lesbian parents develop normal or straight relationships with their peers and satisfying relationships with adults of both sexes; therefore, social workers should support this type of adoption as guided by their professional code of ethics.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of Adoption
Reasons for Accepting Adoption by Gay or Lesbian Parents Issues and Concerns
Conclusion
From the Paper "The revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s further influenced and modified adoption practices. These revolutions were the women's liberation, civil rights movement, sexual revolution, the adoptee's liberty movement, and the birth fathers' rights, birth control, legalized abortion and a dominant single parenthood culture. One consequence was that social workers were encouraged to adjust their role as educators for adoptive parents in helping them recognize and cope with raising adopted children as against raising natural children. Adoptive parents now demand more information on the child they take and whose future is entrusted to them."
Abstract This paper takes a look at each of the psycho-social aspects of development in children and discusses whether these developmental aspects are negatively impacted when a child is raised by gay or lesbian parents. The paper concludes from the literature reviewed that children raised by homosexual parents develop emotionally, socially, and psychologically, in much the same way as children raised by heterosexual parents.
Children of Lesbian and GayParents Sexual Identity
Other Aspects of Personal Development
Social Relationships
Attitudes toward Gay and Lesbian Adoptions
From the Paper "In studies of children ranging in age from 5 to 14, results of projective testing and related interview procedures have revealed normal development of gender identity among children of lesbian mothers. More direct assessment techniques to assess gender identity have been used with the same result; all children in this study reported that they were happy with their gender, and that they had no wish to be a member of the opposite sex. There was no evidence in any of the studies of gender identity difficulties among children of lesbian mothers."
Abstract This paper discusses the controversy over whether children being raised in gay or lesbian families are being raised in healthy environments or not. It also discusses the questions of whether a child living in a gay or lesbian household will make the child homosexual. The paper examines the research that has been done on this topic and concludes that is limited and inconclusive.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is Family?
The Literature
The Research
My Research Design: Observation and Participation
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Family Research Council claims to have statistical values by those with a Ph.D. However the data collected seems faulty and slanted towards the results they want. For example, a particular article claiming that homosexual behavior is linked directly to child sexual abuse, the numbers shown are directly correlated to only those who committed the offenses. There is absolutely no data of the number of same-sex couples who have children within their house and no abuse is reported. Granted there is absolutely no way to positively tell that abuse is taking place. But to assume that because a certain percentage of pedophiles are homosexuals, it's impossible to conclude as a scientific fact that all homosexuals are pedophiles."
Abstract An argumentative paper in favor of homosexual marriage. The paper discusses the ways that homosexuals have the same lifestyles as heterosexual couples, just with different focuses. It concludes that if they can marry, then they should also be allowed to be parents.
From the Paper "The Encarta MSN Dictionary online defines a Homosexual as, ?somebody attracted to the same sex: somebody who is sexually attracted to members of his or her own sex.? (2003) For years the homosexual community has been battling over their rights of marriage and parenting. Some heterosexual members of society are fighting against them in efforts to preserve their own way of life, keeping homosexuals from marrying and restricting them from parenting children. Encarta MSN Dictionary online defines Homophobia as, ?irrational hatred of homosexuality: irrational hatred, disapproval, or fear of homosexuality, homosexual men and lesbians and their culture." (2003) We should allow homosexuals to marry and raise children because other than sexual orientation, there are virtually no differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals."
A paper examining the issue of gay marriages and whether they should be legalized because not doing so would deny homosexuals their basic civil rights.
Abstract This paper is a study for understanding whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages. The paper is divided into three sections arguing three thesis statements. The first thesis statement argues that marriage is a civil right of every individual, as it is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals and denying it to the gay community is discriminatory. Hence, the study begins with a discussion of the argument that denying the civil rights of marriage is discriminatory. The second thesis statement asserts that gays are denied the rights which are associated with marriage and that denying these rights is a violation of their civil rights and therefore a need exists to legalize gay marriages. By way of this thesis statement, the paper offers an understanding as to the rights which are associated with marriage but which are denied to gay couples and discusses whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages taking this perspective into consideration. The third thesis statement argues that legalizing gay marriage is necessary for the security and well-being of the children that gay couples are caring for. Herein, the paper attempts to analyze whether children of gay couples would entail the security required if gay marriages are legalized. Thus, on the basis of the above three thesis statements, the paper tries to formulate an understanding of whether denying marriage to homosexual couples leads to denial of civil rights to the gay community and whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages.
Table of Contents
Introduction
First Thesis Statement
Second Thesis Statement
Third Thesis Statement
Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether the US community is prepared to permit people to marry without the consideration of gender is gaining our notice daily. Religion and civil marriage are two clearly different entities. Certainly this is completely fitting. Certainly, the state must not have the right to order for whom religious organization might carry out marriage services --- akin to the fact that religions institutions must not set terms regarding who might get a license for civil marriage from the state. Latest census data show that the number of faithful same-sex couples in the US has been mounting, as also the number of same-sex couple's upbringing children. Accordingly recognition in the eyes of law is crucial to safeguarding the emotional and financial health of these families. Besides, legal approval should be on a same footing with that of heterosexual marriage ---'separate but equal' is by no means equal."
Abstract This paper proposes that a Constitutional amendment to protect gay rights is necessary in order to protect the diversity of the country. The paper argues that those who oppose gay rights are prejudiced and that their arguments against gay rights can be invalidated. The paper discusses why gay rights are important, why the arguments opposed to gay rights are wrong, and why people should care about gay rights.
From the Paper "America is a boldly hypocritical nation. We are "the land of the free" but actively prevent people from living lives free from discrimination, from persecution, and from the kind of hatred that drove people out of Europe. The Declaration of Independence, the legal and spiritual foundation upon which this nation is built, indicates that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights. Those rights are being infringed upon by the same people that claim to protect them. It appears that gays must revolt to carve those rights out of the nation. African-Americans have been freed from slavery, women have been granted suffrage, racial discrimination laws have been passed, and the fight for gender equality in the workplace has begun. As each new triumph occurs other challenges present themselves."
Abstract A paper which shows how the people actively involved with the gay rights movement may be highly organized and their objectives legitimate, but they are still considered a threat to traditional family values and "normal" sexual lives of other citizens. The paper discusses how the discovery of the deadly disease AIDS was yet another severe setback for the Gay rights movements, as the disease came to be linked to the gays, so much so, that AIDS was termed as a gay disease. Although the movement for the rights of gays has had its share of successes and failures, it has yet to see the movement converted into state legislation. The paper discusses sexual orientation, the HIV factor and the creation of resource centers and movements.
From the Paper "One of the achievements in this field was the creation of a resource center called the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) Student Support Services, with private funding, by the Indiana University Bloomington. It's principle objective was to serve the community of the university, with detailed information and resources on gays, lesbians, and bisexual issues, as well as offering information, support and referral for lesbian, gays and bisexual individuals. This center also refers students who have been harassed because of their sexual orientation to their GLB Anti-Harassment Team, which then assists the affected individuals, by finding a solution to their situation, and documents the incidents to ward off any future harassment. The benefits which have been highlighted by the opening up of resources centers such as stated above, is the creation of a support culture, which successfully helps those in need and guidance. [4]"
Tags: non-heterosexual, gays, lesbians, Anti-Harassment, Team, Censorship, GLAAD, Ellen, DeGeneres
Abstract This paper explains that, in 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult forcing gays to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families and even their lives. The author pouts out that, in 2005 in Canada, being gay is much more open with some politicians openly gay and a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. The paper relates that change was not freely bestowed on gays nor has it been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence.
From the Paper In 1960 in Canada, being gay was very difficult. Most people were forced to be completely closeted about alternative sexual orientations, for fear of losing their jobs, their homes, their families, and even their lives. In 2005 in Canada, we see much more openness. Even some politicians are openly gay, and there seems to be a very good chance that same-sex marriage will soon be legalized. How can we account for this massive change? This change was not freely bestowed on gays - it has not been the result of a rise in tolerance and benevolence."
Abstract The paper discusses how for individuals who practice a homosexual lifestyle, the issue of gay rights looms large. Legislation passed in favor of or against gay rights has a real impact on the quality of their lives, i.e., spousal medical benefits, alimony-like support, being able to keep one's job or getting fired, the right to marry and the ability to adopt children. For the social and religious conservatives, the impact of the passing or the restricting of various gay rights is not as profound. They may be uncomfortable with having to recognize a marriage, for instance, between two males or two females, but gay rights legislation isn't going to profoundly affect the quality of their life.
Abstract This essay discusses how gay and lesbian adolescents are an at-risk population. The paper argues that this phenomenon is the result of the homophobia that exists in the society at large. In the context of the discrimination against gay youth, therefore, the social worker's role becomes extremely significant. Indeed, there needs to be outside intervention to help gay youth deal with the oppression around them.
Abstract Like all people, gay men express themselves by how they dress, and those members of the gay community who 'cross-dress' or dress 'in drag' are no exception. This paper examines how society viewed gay men in earlier days, beginning with the Berdeche of Pre-Columbian Native America, and continuing until the present day. It examines, in particular, cross-dressers and drag queens whose very act of dressing 'differently' is a symbol of pride in their unique sexuality.
From the Paper "Charles? style of cross-dressing is as "typical" of today's queens as is his devotion to the community and to his and other gay men's hard-won rights. The queen is not merely a simple copy of a heterosexual woman; rather she is a character that is at once uniquely gay in the fashions and attitudes she represents, and in the causes she espouses. Increasingly, even heterosexuals have come to see the deeper meanings behind what were once taboo images. Authors, artists, filmmakers, and those paragons of popular culture ? advertisers ? reach out to gay men in ways they never have before."
Abstract This paper examines the legal status of same-sex marriages in several states in America, including California and Vermont. This paper details the law in California, which bans same-sex marriages, yet discusses the fact that the mayor recently chose to overrule these regulations by legalizing a large number of gay marriages. This paper delves into the increasing support for the legalization of same-sex marriages. The writer contends and explains why Vermont is considered the most advanced state in its acceptance of gay marriages. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court passed a decision which stated that gay couples had the same state constitutional rights as straight ones. This paper also discusses the Same-Sex Civil-Union Bill.
From the Paper "The virtual success of such a bill would be tremendous for supporters of gay marriages. As I have previously mentioned, the issue is not necessarily for gay civil unions to be called marriages. It is a much deeper issue, an issue where the homosexual civil union should be assimilated in all rights and obligations to the heterosexual marriage. In this sense, Connecticut seems to be on the same path as Vermont in recognizing the rights of gay couples. Progress was also made in New York towards achieving the legalization of gay marriages. Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled, at the beginning of 2005, in favour of gay couples being allowed to marry. According to the decision , there is no point in guaranteeing basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people if one is not interested in conferring one of the most essential rights of all, the right to marry whomever one may desire."
Tags: union, relationship, gay, homosexual, civil, law, rights
Abstract This paper discuses issues relevant to the identification and counseling of gay and lesbian high school students. It looks at the importance of counselors and teachers understanding the unique stressors of gay and lesbian students and an often unsupportive, unacccepting, hostile school environment. The paper conducts a research study of high school gay or lesbian students who have been subject to harassment, violence and verbal abuse.
