Like all children, most children with LGBT parents will have both good and bad times. Consider living in a community where diversity is more accepted.Consider having a support network for your child (for example, having your child meet other children with gay parents).Using books, websites, and movies that show children in LGBT families.Helping your child come up with and practice appropriate responses to teasing or mean remarks.Allowing for open communication and discussions that are appropriate to your child’s age and level of maturity.Preparing your child to handle questions and comments about their background or family.Parents can help their children cope with these pressures in the following ways: Some LGBT families face discrimination in their communities, and children may be teased or bullied by peers. Do not show differences in their male and female behaviors (gender role behavior)Īlthough research shows that children with gay and lesbian parents are as well-adjusted as children with heterosexual parents, they can face some additional challenges.Do not show differences in whether they think of themselves as male or female (gender identity).Are not more likely to be sexually abused.Are not more likely to be gay than children with heterosexual parents.Research has shown that in contrast to common beliefs, children of lesbian, gay, or transgender parents: It is important for parents to understand that it is the quality of the parent/child relationship and not the parent’s sexual orientation that has an effect on a child’s development. Current 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. Sometimes people are concerned that children being raised by a gay parent will need extra emotional support or face unique social stressors. What effect does having LGBT parents have on children? A small number of states currently have laws supportive of LGBT couple adoption. This can occur through adoption, alternative insemination, surrogate, or foster parenting. An increasing number of LGBT parents have conceived children and/or raised them from birth, either as single parents or in ongoing committed relationships. Some children of LGBT parents were conceived in heterosexual marriages or relationships. Millions of children in the United States have lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) parents. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents