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children, including: 1) social exclusion
and gossip which can lead to hyperactivity
in boys and lower self esteem in girls (Bos
& van Balen, 2008); 2) the experience of
homophobic attitudes from family,
friends, peers, and other parents
(Fairtlough, 2008); 3) an increased risk of
substance-abuse, anxiety, and depression
(Weber, 2008); 4) some increase in the
likelihood of being homosexual (Cameron
& Cameron, 2002; Cameron, 2006); 5) a
general increase in reported problems or
concerns (Cameron & Cameron, 2002).
Both sides of the argument are most
likely right. Children seem to be doing as
well as children normally do. What we do
not know, because of the methodological
difficulties in the research, is if these
children are representative of the general
population of children raised by gay and

lesbian couples. Fortunately, the research

situation is improving and soon there may

be more definitive answers as to the effects

of same-sex parents on children.

The Families of Same-Sex Couples

Same-sex families face a number of

challenges, not the least of which is how

society views them. The stigma often

marginalizes individuals in same-sex

families, restricting family members from

their full expression of social citizenship,

humanity and personhood (Weber, 2008).

Unlike the four minority groups reviewed in

this chapter, same-sex couples have a choice

in their arrangements.African-Americans,

Hispanic-Americans,Asian-Americans, and

Native-Americans have an ascribed status—

their race is an intrinsic part of their

makeup. They may choose to deemphasize

their cultural heritage and certain aspects of

their ethnicity, but they cannot choose to

raise their children as“white.”The decision

to live in a heterosexual or homosexual

relationship is a choice. Despite the growing

number of same-sex families and the

sometimes loud debates surrounding their

lifestyle, the cultural expectation in our

society is that a heterosexual couple is the

norm.A homosexual couple and their

family face the same stigma some interracial

couples face—usually, even worse.

Chapter 11

Advocates of same-sex relationships suggest

that children are doing fine.

Children seem to be doing well, but are they

representative of the general population of

children living in same-sex families?

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