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Gay and Lesbian Adoption, 2006.
This paper discusses the adoption of children by gay men and lesbian parents from the perspective of the social worker.
2,375 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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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."
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Challenging Kinship Assumptions: Adoptees, Gays and Lesbians, 2003.
Compares the difficulties faced by adoptees and gays and lesbians in contemporary American society.
1,398 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
Despite seeming unrelated, the search by adoptees for their biological families and the revelation of a nonstandard sexual identity by gays and lesbians to their families actually involve similar psychological components and elucidate similar cultural stereotypes about kinship. In both circumstances, individuals risk discovering weaknesses within assumed American definitions of family. This essays discusses the difficulties encountered by adoptees and gays and lesbians in coming to terms with their nontraditional status. It emphasizes the role of gender and cultural assumptions by looking at the views of authors such as Judith Modell and Kath Weston.
From the Paper
"Interestingly, both adoptees and gays and lesbians frequently rely on their mothers rather than their fathers for support. In Modell?s research, adoptees searched more frequently for their biological mothers than for their biological fathers, and they often expected more support from their adoptive mothers than from their adoptive fathers (1998: 158-9, 165-6). ??Mother? called up conventions about acting like a child to a parent? (Modell 1998: 166), showing the influence of traditionally assumed kinship ties felt by adoptees. Gays and lesbians also had assumptions about the roles their mothers would play in their coming out. Weston explains, ?when people attempted to predict the outcome of disclosure, their judgments generally reflected cultural assumptions about gender, power, and specific categories of kinship relations? (1991: 52). As a result of these assumptions, many people felt that a mother?s ?feelings? would make her more understanding than a father?s ?reason? (1991: 53)."
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Counseling Gays and Lesbians, 2005.
A look at the history of discrimination against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals and its implications for counseling this population.
3,895 words (approx. 15.6 pages), 22 sources, APA, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at counseling gays and lesbians. It looks at this group from a cultural standpoint, going through the history of the culture and the discrimination it has faced, as well as the continuing discrimination it experiences. It looks at how counselors can be more sensitive to the issues that face gays and lesbians who seek counseling. Some of these issues include how family dynamics affect the counseling relationship, sexually transmitted diseases, and how the discrimination against this population can affect the client. This paper also looks at the steps counselors can take to become more aware of this population and how they can increase their multicultural awareness towards this group, all in the hopes of providing the best client-therapist relationship possible.
From the Paper
"Attitudes toward homosexuality are complex and multifaceted (Davies, 2004). Many people have mixed feelings about gays, lesbians and bisexuals. There is a lot of controversy over what causes people to prefer one sexual orientation over another. Some professionals believe it is organic, while others think it is a learned behavior. Many factors also contribute to the treatment of gays, lesbians and bisexual (LGB) clients. To understand many of these issues the history of the population, discrimination factors, and current problems facing this group need to be looked at."
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Status of the Gay and Lesbian Population in Society, 2002.
A discussion of the gay and lesbian effort to carve out a place for itself in society in the face of stigma and criminalization.
620 words (approx. 2.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the current position of the gay and lesbian population in American society. The writer attempts to explore the culture and understand how spaces and territories are established. The writer also discusses the differences in social lives of gays and lesbians.
From the Paper
"America?s gay and lesbian populations have come a long way in recent decades. They are far less apt to remain in the closet than in days gone by and they are much more open about their lifestyle than they had been in the past. The gay and lesbian community worked hard to carve out niches in urban society including hang outs, social functions and other rights of passage that are an automatic given for the straights of the nation.
?The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a growing sensitization on the part of mainstream society to the issues of gay and lesbian liberation(Voigt, 1999). Though the questions of gays in the military and gay marriage remain controversial, a number of gay issues been resolved, even on the civic level."
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Gay and Lesbian Marriages, 2001.
This paper discusses the Metropolitan Community Church in Toronto, which wholly supports and performs gay and lesbian marriages.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the growing acceptance of gay and lesbian relationships in society, as well as homosexual marriages. The author focuses specifically on Toronto's Metropolitan Community Church, led by the Reverend Brent Hawkes, which offers the gay community vast support for the lifestyle, and performs controversial marriage ceremonies.
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Gay and Lesbian Marriage, 2005.
An examination of whether gay and lesbian marriages should be accepted in all realms of society.
1,212 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Gay and lesbian marriage has become a controversial debate in contemporary society. There are heated arguments for and against the legalization of marriage between couples of the same sex. This paper explains that the underlying assumption for those in favor of gay marriages is that the central aspects of love, relationship, and understanding should override all other issues. However, this paper argues that the situation is not quite that simple. There are numerous factors that militate against the acceptance of gay marriage as an institution in modern society. The paper points out that gay marriages have the potential to create serious problems with regard to a range of very important social and cultural issues that make marriages of this nature untenable in modern society.
From the Paper
"The argument that I wish to propose is not based on any of these perceptions or views. The central argument against the institution of gay and lesbian marriage has nothing to do with assumptions and judgments about homosexuality, and neither do I wish to deprive people of their intrinsic and inalienable democratic rights. Rather the objection to same-sex marriage is simply based on the fact that it contributes to the downfall of society; more particularly the institution of the family - the foundation of society - and subsequently will impact negatively on the development of children within the society. Therefore, the argument against gay marriage that I propose is based purely on practical and societal considerations."
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The Identity Formation of Gays and Lesbians, 2002.
This paper examines the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities' struggles with identity issues.
3,115 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper is an in-depth study of the topic of identity formation and how a non-traditional sexual orientation, such as being gay or lesbian, changes the development of one's identity. The paper examines the complex process of choosing a non-traditional sexual orientation. This includes the detailing of the many stages that the individual must face, and the many years that are often involved in the search for one's identity. The author looks at many different factors in society that affect the search for identity, including family life, friends, work and employment situations, age, environment and how they can have a negative or positive affect on the individual's lifestyle choice. The role of the social worker in helping the person deal with the problems that the individual faces in both their personal and professional life is also examined in great detail.
From the Paper
"Considering general social and cultural attitudes about homosexuality, and the persistent view that the gay or lesbian identity is ?abnormal?, social workers must always be aware that many parents of homosexual individuals will feel a degree of shame at producing and rearing a "faulty" homosexual child. This is closely linked to the pressure of societal attitudes and concern with how others perceive their parenting, resulting in many parents becoming labeled with a similar socially stigmatized identity to that of their homosexual child. The social worker?s role is to understand that many of these parents are likely to be concerned with feelings of guilt and self-blame, such as ?Where did I go wrong?? or "If I had done this differently, then ... ", rather than with attempting to understand and empathize with their child's situation (Armesto, 2001). A great deal of this reaction is rooted in the family?s racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural backgrounds, which often increase the family?s anxiety and stigma with their disapproving and ?sinful? view of gays and lesbians and the mythical beliefs that they promote as the causes of homosexuality. On the issue of self-acceptance, many studies indicate that it is the individual?s network of friends, rather than the family, that plays the most significant role in gay and lesbian identity formation, indicating that the empathic understanding and support that is offered by members of the same sexual minority group, who have "walked the way", is a particularly influential and valued source of social support."
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"Conduct Unbecoming: Gays And Lesbians In The U.S. Military", 2002.
This book by Randy Shilts is based on over 1,000 interviews with gays, lesbians and others in the United States military.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper states that the book is significant in terms of historical fact. The author report that this book talks at length about the nature of discrimination in he US military. The author of the book lists the methods that were used by military powers, to locate and expel gays from the military. These "witch hunts" often resulted in the ruination of lives and careers for many men and women; particularly in earlier times when there was no tolerance .
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Gay and Lesbian Parenting, 2002.
A study on the issue of homosexual parenting.
3,070 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper examines various opinions regarding the topic of gay and lesbian parenting. It illustrates clearly that gays and lesbian parents are mentally and emotionally stable enough to provide their children with love, support and attention that they require for success in all areas of life. The commons myths are addressed in this paper and are dispelled as being groundless in fact. This paper also discusses several court rulings concerning this issue.
From the Paper
"The Courts in the United States have tried repeatedly to provide children with a family setting which is recognized by American Family Law. Even the societal changes, which are currently taking place in family structures, the society itself and the legal system of our country have failed to see beyond the myths and misconceptions associated with alternative family structure. Millions of gays and lesbians are now trying to become parents through adoption, insemination and surrogate procedures. No matter which method is finally chosen, it has been repeatedly proven by researchers and pediatric professionals that gay couples are absolutely capable of providing love, support and moral values required for healthy mental and emotional development of children. "
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Family Law and Gay/Lesbian Marriage, 2004.
Discusses the controversial topic of homosexual marriages and whether the government has the right to regulate such unions.
2,374 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the controversial topic of what constitutes a marriage and what unions between partners are worthy of the state and federal government?s institutional protection. The paper looks at how this applies to gay marriages and then presents legal arguments and looks at social and private values that support the individual's right to a homosexual marriage.
From the Paper
"What makes a marriage, in the eyes of society and the eyes of the law? As this paper is being written, President George W. Bush has called for a constitutional amendment upholding the idea that marriage is an institutional bond that can exist only between a man and a woman. Somewhat belying his claim that this idea is purely legal in its nature, however, is his stress that a constitutional amendment is required to sustain this principle on a federal level. Bush is essentially attempting to pass judgment to all of the state legislatures of the land, forcing them to comply with upholding a singular and specific ideal regarding what constitutes a marriage. This goes against some of the past, predominant legal strictures of this nation, which has left defining and limiting marriage to states and communities, rather than to the nation as a whole. However, setting unified standards regarding marriage on a national level, in Bush?s defense, is not without precedent. (Loving v. Virginia, Arleen, 48-49)"
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Adoption and Gay Couples, 2006.
Should gay and lesbian couples be allowed to adopt children?
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how prejudice against same-sex parents, preventing them from adopting, is not only unfounded but also transgresses the dignity and human rights of gay couples. It also relates how the issue of adoption is intrinsically linked to the larger social and moral question of the acceptance of gay couples as full and legitimate members of society.
From the Paper
"While society or sectors of society may regard parenting by gay couples with suspicion, there is no convincing scientific evidence to suggest that children raised by same-sex parents suffer any serious deficits or are deviant in any sense. (Hulbert, A. 2004) In truth much of the evidence points to the fact that children raised by gay parents are in some ways more balanced and resilient. There is also no evidence to suggest that children reared by same-sex partners are less intelligent or more likely to have problems than children of straight parents.
However, there are many prejudicial views against same-sex parents and the adoption of children."
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Gay Adoption, 2008.
This paper argues against the myth that gay adoptions are dangerous to children.
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the opponents of rights for gays and lesbians claim that gays and lesbians are not merely unsuitable as potential adoptive parents but also entirely immoral. The author underscores that, overwhelmingly, the opposition to adoption by gays and lesbians is based on religious arguments. The paper relates that, although opponents of homosexual adoption have long tried to make a case that a child raised by a homosexual couple is at greater risk than a child raised by "straight" parents, serious research to support this is virtually non-existent. The author stresses that there is overwhelming scientific support, from such authorities as the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, that gays are entirely suitable as adoptive parents.
From the Paper
"Despite these studies, there are bitter opponents of gay adoption, and it is notable that a tiny group of people remain dedicated to the idea that there is a "scientific" basis for opposition to gay adoption. One of the most credentialed opponents of gay adoption is Lynn Wardle, a professor of law at the Brigham Young University Law School. Wardle has been most vocal in custody disputes, in which he contends if a biological parent is found to be gay, this creates a rebuttable presumption that the parent is unfit and should therefore by denied custody."
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Same Sex Marriage and Gay Adoption, 2006.
A discussion regarding issues surrounding same-sex marriage and gay adoption.
805 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
A review of various issues related to same-sex marriage and gay adoption from a personal perspective. The paper concludes in support of the legalization of adoption for same-sex couples, and either marriages or civil unions of same-sex partners.
From the Paper
"All available evidence suggests that same-sex marriage does not weaken the status of heterosexual marriage. Same-sex marriage has already been legalized in several European countries. In each such state, evidence suggests that that heterosexual marriage patterns have actually strengthened since the acceptance of gay marriage. In fact, Scandinavian children are more likely to be raised in a home with both of their biological parents than American children are. Professor Lee Badgett, a professor with the University of Massachusetts, has shown very convincingly that "there is no evidence that giving partnership rights to same-sex couples had any impact on heterosexual marriage in Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands."
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Gay Couples and Adoption, 2005.
An analysis of whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children.
3,300 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the controversial issue of same-sex couples adopting from several perspectives. Although the paper's position is that this practice should be allowed, other points of view are presented, and historical sources are given their due. The paper contends that gays and lesbians have been labeled deviant for too long by this country?s legal system, which has denied them their rights as individuals in a way that is discriminatory and unreasonable within a structure that praises reason.
From the Paper
"Social control, of which both labeling theory and the justice system are a part, is supposed to be about following a reasonable standard. In cases of unfair treatment levied against individuals because they are gay or lesbian, this reasonable standard is dropped and the issue becomes less one of discretion and more one of discrimination. Many states and institutions (localities, etc.) have progressive laws regarding discrimination along the lines of sexual orientation, but these territories are in the minority, and a federalized program is wanted that ensures that the practice of discrimination against gays and lesbians only because of their sexual orientation does not continue to be legally sanctioned by the government. In many states, gay couples enjoy domestic partnership rights that fall short of the rights given to married couples, but nonetheless represent progressive steps forward."
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Gay Adoption, 2005.
Discusses various issues concerning the Arkansas House Bill baning gay adoption.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses various aspects of Arkansas House Bill 1119 which bans gay adoption. Some of the aspects discussed include the history of the Bill, the at risk population and the people whose interests are served by this legislation. The paper also discusses the status of the Bill at the time the paper was written, why continuing advocacy is needed and evaluates the advocacy efforts to date.
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