SSA Parents

There is much information for and about same-sex attracted parents within these following links. You’ll find discussions on research into queer families, information about whether or not the sexual orientation of parents affects child development, some exploration of various challenges same-sex parents and their families as a whole may encounter, and issues relating to ‘coming out’ and your level of openness with your children and others outside your family. There is also some information here that may help parents to answer some of the questions their kids might ask about their sexuality.

http://ssw.unc.edu/jif/famtrend/docs/GayLesBook.pdf
This article talks about different family forms and cites some interesting research findings. It is focussed on the US, however has relevance to Australian society.

http://www.apa.org/pi/parent.html
A fantastic but lengthy summary of research findings on Lesbian and Gay parenting. The publication aims to evaluate prejudicial beliefs and cultural stigma in light of substantial research findings that show same-sex parents in a positive frame. It looks at research that began in the late 50’s right up to current day research findings, and dispels many myths.

http://teach.virginia.edu/files/pdf/RPES/patterson_2006_children_of_lesbian_and_gay_parents_cdps.pdf
This short paper discusses whether or not the sexual orientation of parents affects child development. It concludes that it is the quality and not the nature of relationships within families that affect outcomes for children more than the sexual orientation of parents.

http://www.growingkids.co.uk/GayLesbianParents.html
A good link to a brief discussion of some of the challenges faced by families with SSA parents. It is positive and promotes teaching diversity and acceptance to children.

http://colage.org/resources/coming_out.htm
A very informative article which provides people with some tips for coming out to their kids. It covers many of the concerns parents may have about when and how to broach the issue, and offers some personal advice and insights from children of LGBT parents.

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=296&id=2038
This is part of the Child and Youth Health website in SA, and provides some information about what it means to have lesbian or gay parents, the process of coming out to kids, and other issues that can come up for non-biological parents in same-sex parenting roles. There is a great list here of resources specific to South Australia.

http://www.rossde.com/editorials/childrenofgays.html
A short article stating that children are not harmed when raised by same-sex parents. This has a US focus, but is very relevant in Australia given the opposition of various church groups to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender families.

http://www.helpstartshere.org/Default.aspx?PageID=303#gay
Brief discussion of gay and lesbian parents and some issues for children.

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1569797,00.html
A great article titled “Two Mommies or Two Daddies Will Do Fine, Thanks”.

http://bad.eserver.org/issues/1994/12/sandell.html
This is a very interesting article titled “The Cultural Necessity of Queer Families”. It discusses the recent cultural debates around the family in America, and covers legal issues as well as media coverage of lesbians and gays, and the community building aspects of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender relationships and family forms.

http://www.lethimstay.com/wrong_socscience_studies.html
A really easy to read and concise summary of research findings on gay parenting, and provides a summary of what the studies say about gay parents, their kids, and whether or not same-sex attracted parents “make gay kids”.

http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/LGBTParentsChildren.pdf
Again this article is US based, however it provides a good discussion of research findings, and is overwhelmingly positive about Gay and Lesbian people making good parents, and that children are not affected in any negative way by their parent’s sexual orientation. It provides statements from some leading US child welfare organisations also that support the position that a parent’s sexuality is not a determinant of healthy child development.

http://members.aol.com/tjfronczak/lesgayparenting.htm
This article explores the sometimes profound dilemma of how open and honest you should be with your children about your sexuality. It discusses the pros and cons of living a secretive life as opposed to living an open life, in terms of the ramifications it may have on your children.

http://www.cwla.org/programs/culture/glbtqposition.htm
A link to the Child Welfare League of America’s Position Statement on Parenting of Children by Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults. It is an interesting read and provides yet another piece of support in the fight for equality.

http://www.lambdalegal.org/take-action/tool-kits/getting-down-to-basics/experts.html
Another US based article which provides a selection of current policies and position statements from professional US service providers (child welfare, social service, behavioural and medical health, and legal organisations), which state that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and adults deserve respect and support from professional service providers. It’s an excellent article if you’re after written support from the “experts”.

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/parenting_in_a_same-sex_relationship.html
This is an article on some of the challenges faced by same-sex parents and some issues they may be faced with. It features the story of two women in NSW and their experiences as parents. The article is a part of the Raising Children Network website, which is an Australian website set up to assist parents. The ‘parents like me’ section of this website features articles on other topics that may be of interest.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/109/2/341
A technical report on co-parent or second-parent adoption by same-sex parents in the US. It is from the Journal of The American Academy of Pediatrics and is not a particularly light read, but if you’re interested in research papers then this is worth a look.

http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/glb/orientat.html
A summary of the research findings of an American study which followed children of lesbians from childhood to adulthood. The study found that the sexual orientation of children is not influenced by the sexual orientation of parents.

http://www.itvs.org/ourhouse/parenting.html
Another brief research overview of Lesbian and Gay parenting.

http://www.gay.com/content/tools/print.html?coll=rela_article&sernum=395&navpat
This is an excellent article which presents some information that may help same-sex parents answer some of the questions their kids may ask. It provides information designed to support parents respond to their children at different ages, to help their kids gain an understanding of their role in the context of their family, and their family’s role in the broader community.

http://www.glrl.org.au/pdf/major_reports/meet_the_parents.pdf
An excellent review of the research on Lesbian and Gay families by the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (2002). It is a lengthy report (62 pages), but is definitely worth a read. It provides a review of the social science research that has been conducted over the last 25 years, and also provides information on the Australian legal context for same-sex parents.

http://www.aacap.org/
A fact sheet from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for children with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender parents. It provides some good information in a very brief format.

http://www.rwh.org.au/wellwomens/whic.cfm?doc_id=4623
“Pride and Joy: A Resource for Prospective Lesbian Parents in Victoria”. This is a wonderful resource produced by the Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria in 2003. Most of the information contained in the booklet will be relevant to women Australia-wide. To order a copy follow the links on the site.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=6dacb809-9929-4379-bb9f-9431e7d5c44d
This is a recent news story about the release of the findings of a study into same-sex parent families conducted by the Canadian Government in 2003. The findings have only just been released due to political reasons. The study concludes that children have the same level and quality of social competence with same-sex parents as they do with heterosexual parents.

http://www.pinkparents.com.au
This site is still under construction, but it’s worth monitoring its progress to check it out once up and running. It is an Adelaide based community, social, support and lobby group for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, prospective parents, queer parents, families and friends.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lesbian_Parents_Australia/
An online parenting forum for women called “Lesbian Parents Australia”, which provides an opportunity to talk about family, parenting and donor issues. It’s a great way to connect with other lesbian mothers and prospective mothers, in a safe online space.