Gay stereotypes
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They maintain a reflexive belief that same-sex parenting must be harmful to children — although the exact nature of that supposed harm varies widely.
The Facts
No legitimate research has demonstrated that same-sex couples are any more or any less harmful to children than heterosexual couples.
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry affirmed in 2013 that “[c]urrent research shows that children with gay and lesbian parents do not differ from children with heterosexual parents in their emotional development or in their relationships with peers and adults” and they are “not more likely than children of heterosexual parents to develop emotional or behavioral problems.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in a 2002 policy statement declared: “A growing body of scientific literature demonstrates that children who grow up with one or two gay and/or lesbian parents fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual.” That policy statement was reaffirmed in 2009 and in 2013, when the AAP stated its support for civil marriage for same-gender couples and full adoption and foster care rights for all parents, regardless of sexual orientation.
The American Psychological Association (APA) noted in 2004 that “same-sex couples are remarkably similar to heterosexual couples, and that parenting effectiveness and the adjustment, development and psychological well-being of children is unrelated to parental sexual orientation.” In addition, the APA stated that “beliefs that lesbian and gay adults are not fit parents have no empirical foundation.” The next year, in 2005, the APA published a summary of research findings on lesbian and gay parents and reiterated that common negative stereotypes about LGBT parenting are not supported by the data.
Similarly, the Child Welfare League of America’s official position with regard to same-sex parents is that “lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents are as well-suited to raise children as their heterosexual counterparts.”
A 2010 review of research on same-sex parenting carried out by LiveScience, a science news website, found no differences between children raised by heterosexual parents and children raised by lesbian parents.
Some argue that individuals decide to be part of the community for attention or rebellion. Jezebel. Retrieved from https://jezebel.com/5205953/pssst-the-girls-guide-to-lesbian-cliches--stereotypes
Cut (2017, July 17). Neither approach is wrong—it’s all about comfort and authenticity.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term “drag” originated in theater, where performers wore extravagant costumes regardless of their identity?
They overcome legal battles, fight for recognition, and build strong families. For example, a young person growing up in an accepting city will have a vastly different experience compared to someone in a rural area with less visibility or support.
By recognizing this diversity, we can approach issues with greater empathy and nuance.
Parenting Myths Continue to Plague LGBT Families
One of the most damaging beliefs is that LGBT parents cannot provide stable, loving homes.
Do 56% of adults still believe inaccurate ideas about LGBT people? By acknowledging and respecting bisexuality, we create a more inclusive world.
The LGBT Community Is Not a Monolith
A common mistake is assuming everyone in the LGBT community shares the same struggles, goals, and views. But research by A. Nicholas Groth, a pioneer in the field of sexual abuse of children, shows that is not so.
Let’s get started.
Challenge your perceptions
Are all gay men into fashion? Discover what happens when it follows LGBTQ+ people into their healthcare.
First, do no harm
"First, do no harm." This principle, derived from the Hippocratic Oath, is a foundational principle in health care.
Paraphilias, as defined (pdf; may require a different browser) by the American Psychiatric Association, are characterized by sexual urges or behaviors directed at non-consenting persons or those unable to consent like children, or that involve another person’s psychological distress, injury, or death.
Moreover, even if pedophiles, for example, were protected under a hate crime law — and such a law has not been suggested or contemplated anywhere — that would not legalize or “protect” pedophilia.
The Palm Center report concluded that lifting bans against openly gay service personnel in these countries “ha[s] had no negative impact on morale, recruitment, retention, readiness or overall combat effectiveness.” Successful transitions to new policies were attributed to clear signals of leadership support and a focus on a uniform code of behavior without regard to sexual orientation.
A 2008 Military Times poll of active-duty military personnel, often cited by anti-gay activists, found that 10% of respondents said they would consider leaving the military if the DADT policy were repealed.
Most child molesters, therefore, are not gay people lingering outside schools waiting to snatch children from the playground, as much religious-right rhetoric suggests.
Some anti-gay ideologues cite ACPeds’ opposition to same-sex parenting as if the organization were a legitimate professional body. Human beings are diverse, and it’s unfair to define anyone by a single aspect of their identity.
Using reliable tools to fact-check online content, such as an AI checker, can help cut through misinformation.
Similarly, someone’s orientation or identity is an intrinsic part of who they are. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgCzqlri_a0
University of Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgZwKj8kS8k&t=17s
James, S. (2009, April 14). Gus Kenworthy shares the 8 things you should never say to your gay friends [Video file].
When words can kill: ‘That’s so gay’. Do all lesbians play softball? Has been associated with the discomfort that some cisgender men and women feel about transgender persons. (2012, August 28). Bob Unruh, a conservative Christian journalist who left The Associated Press in 2006 for the right-wing, conspiracist news site WorldNetDaily, said shortly before the federal law was passed that it would legalize “all 547 forms of sexual deviancy or ‘paraphilias’ listed by the American Psychiatric Association.” This claim was repeated by many anti-gay organizations, including the Illinois Family Institute.
The Facts
The claim that hate crime laws could result in the imprisonment of those who “oppose the homosexual lifestyle” is false.
According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation refers to heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality — not paraphilias such as pedophilia.