FREE ESSAY ON HOMOSEXUALITY

HOMOSEXUALITY

In 20th century attitude toward gay community was very negative. However, in recent years
gay and lesbians are gaining more rights. The biggest problem that homosexuals are facing
right now is not being able to adopt a child. There are 22 states where they are allowed
to adopt and it is seen there that they are adopting in increasing numbers. Ongoing legal
battles over same-sex marriage have drawn increasing public attention to the question of
whether lesbian and gay families can raise happy, healthy children. However, there is no
evidence that person's sexual orientation will influence the child and make him a worst
parent.
In order to find out if homosexual couples could raise happy and healthy children,
researchers presented a study of lesbian mothers and their children, as well as a
comparison group of heterosexual couple and their children. 
The average age of the children at the time that the study was performed was about 9
years old. The follow up study was in 1990's and the average age of the young people at
follow up was about 23 years old. This study was performed in order to see if children
who grow up in a family led by a lesbian mother would have disadvantages in terms of
their social, psychological and sexual orientation in comparison to children who were
raised by heterosexual couple. It was found:
1. Children from lesbian mother families were no more likely than heterosexual families
to experience peer pressure during adolescence, and most were able to integrate close
friends outside their family life. They also were no more likely to recall being teased
specifically about their mother. I think every child gets teased either he is tall or
short, thin or fat. 
2. Findings relating to the sexual orientation of children are generally that children
from lesbian family were not more likely to identify themselves as homosexual or
bisexual. 
3. In regards to psychological adjustment men and women raised by lesbian mothers were no
more likely than others to experience mental health problems in adulthood. The scores for
both young adults on depression and anxiety tests fell within the normal range. In no
one's background have sought professional help for mental health problems.
One of the children they interviewed from lesbian mother family was Ben. He was 20 years
old at follow up study. Ben had few good friends at school. In high school some students
even thought his family was really cool. Ben always considered himself as heterosexual
and reported that all his sexual experiences only had been with women. Ben's general
attitude toward growing up in a lesbian mother family first was a little bit
embarrassing. However it changed during his during his adolescence. Now he is more up
front in telling others about his family background. He said: "Why should I hide that my
mom has a girlfriend, it only makes it worse."
I think that homosexual parents should be able to adopt a child because there are so many
children who need good, loving homes. Here gay couples serve as parents and they are able
to give them a better future and life that they deserve.