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Sexual identity of 37 children raised by homosexual or transsexual parents
Insights
Children raised by homosexual or transsexual parents show typical gender-role behavior and heterosexual orientation. This study examines developmental outcomes in children from diverse family structures.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- This study investigates the developmental outcomes for children raised in households with same-sex parents or parents who have undergone gender transition (transsexuals).
- It examines children's gender-typical preferences and sexual orientation within these non-traditional family structures.
Observation:
- The study included 37 children aged 3–20 years, living in households with female homosexuals (n=21), male-to-female transsexuals (n=7), or female-to-male transsexuals (n=9).
- Children had resided in these households for an average of 4.9 years.
Findings:
- A significant majority of children (36 out of 37) reported or recalled gender-typical preferences in toys, games, clothing, and peer groups.
- Among the 13 older children reporting on sexual behaviors or fantasies, all exhibited heterosexual orientation.
Implications:
- Findings suggest that parental sexual orientation or gender identity does not negatively impact a child's gender-typical development or sexual orientation.
- This research contributes to understanding child development in diverse family constellations, challenging traditional assumptions about family structures and outcomes.
Abstract:
The author reports on 37 children who are being raised by female homosexuals or by parents who have changed sex (transsexuals): 21 by female homosexuals, 7 by male-to-female transsexuals, and 9 by female-to-male transsexuals. The children range in age from 3 to 20 years (mean = 9.3) and have lived in the sexually atypical households for 1-16 years (mean = 4.9). Thirty-six of the children report or recall childhood toy, game, clothing, and peer group preferences that are typical for their sex. The 13 older children who report erotic fantasies or overt sexual behaviors are all heterosexually oriented.