Homosexual Parents

Homosexuality is behavior and way of that people express when they have a sexual preference of the same sex. In the 21st century it is widely accepted by society and the general population. Just recently has the argument of same sex parents come to the forefront. There are those who opposed this because of religious, moral, and personal reasons. Yet, the focus of the psychological affects it has on a child is not discussed in great lengths. The unique setting of a same sex home undoubtedly affects the general psyche of a child.

In the 21st century, children turn on the television and are able to see two individuals of the sane=me sex making sexual overtures. Forty years ago it was not acceptable for married couple to sleep in the same bed. Society has been driven into a state of blindness. The amount of inappropriate behavior is readily accepted to be viewed by young children. Many aspects of a person's ideals and feelings blatantly manifested. The display of homosexuality has become openly accepted; the repercussion of this lifestyle directly affects children that are involved. Specifically, children with parents of the same sex are deprived of the normalcies of life. There are immense and almost irreversible psychological and social damages that can overwhelm the blank slate of a child

Infants are the most easily influenced beings. A child learns all basic motor skills and life skills from there parents. There are other factors that persuade a child in life. Schemas are mental molds that a person pours experience into. At an early age a child makes the distinction of a boy from a girl. If a child sees a mommy and a daddy he or she then makes a schema-male and female. In a same sex home there is no mommy and daddy; it is mommy and mommy or daddy and daddy. After making such schemas, children assimilate these experiences or schemas into their world. Jean Piaget (1930) said "If we examine the intellectual development of the individual or the whole of humanity, we shall find that the human spirit goes through a certain number of stages, each different from the other." Piaget organizes human behavior and psychological into four stages. The first stage is sensorimotor; a child basically experiences the world through touch. This stage in particular is not critical in the development of a child considering their parent sexual preferences. Preoperational is next and then there is concrete operational; both of these stages are significant. Between the stages children begin to understand and think independently. Theory of mind is a concept that particularly important. Children now know that life exist beyond what they see. The last stage is the formal operational and by this time humans are now able to think logically with abstract reasoning.

Social development is just as important as the psychological and physiological growth of a child. Body contact is an underlying principle that is essential to the well being of a baby. Attachment and familiarity are principles that help a child grow and evolve. A mother's presence is key to development. If deprived of the "intangibles" that a mother provides; a child become withdrawn and anti-social. Given that a mothers' touch alone does not strictly determine a child's social success - it is indispensable.

Parents are the most influential entity in the life of a child. Until preschool a child learns everything from its parent. All the tendencies, habits, value, and beliefs are passed to the offspring. A child immulates their parents and does things according to what they see their parent do. Once, a child's' perception of male from female is screwed, it affects their understanding of opposite sexes. Without the teachings of a parent most children become social and psychological pariahs. They do not know how to properly operate within a patriarchal society. In such situations the children are blinded from how a boy becomes a man and a girl becomes a woman. A male can never teach a little girl everything a female could. Books can be read and classes can be taken but a female does not posses male dispositions that would benefit to their maturation. That is not to say a single parent home can not successfully raise young men and women. Yet, a man teaches a boy how to be a man and a woman teaches a girl how to be a woman.

A homosexual in America faces many challenges today. Although, it is widely accepted, there are still those who discriminate against homosexuals. Many who decide to live the homosexual lifestyle are faced with many questions and uncertainty. There is constant ridicule from society and their peers. Teenage homosexuals experience many short comings. A lot of times a homosexual is forced into seclusion. As a result, coming out becomes more of an event and announcement than a decision to be proud of what he or she is. A parent incorporates their experiences into the raising of their child. So, only naturally a super macho man would influence his child to very masculine. Conversely, a homosexual will influence their child to be a certain way; whether, it is masculine or feminine.

Several strides have been made in the rights of homosexuals. This past year several states legalized gay marriages. Most homosexuals are attracted to the idea of marriage. Yet, a homosexuals reasoning for marriage does not differ from that of a heterosexual. "The homosexual is, furthermore, simultaneously frightened by fly-by-night, unstable relationships and attracted by the seeming permanence of marriage as a family institution." (Cory, 1975, p. 201). Much like a heterosexual, a homosexual sees marriage as a solution to their uncertainty. Marriage is also driven by the desire to have children. The biological clock within a woman is constant no matter the sexual preference. Most male homosexuals, "actually desiring to give birth, and expressing this consciously as a "wish to have children"..." (Cory, 1975, p.201). Homosexuals look to marriage and having a child as being an anchor of stability. The ability of a homosexual physically raising a child is not at question, but rather their ability to psychologically facilitate a child.

Living in a same sex home differs from that of opposite sex home. The main entity of living in either setting does not differ. A homosexual can provide food, clothing, and love just as well as a heterosexual. Yet, the everyday life would be different. Confusion would be a constant force in a child's' life in a same sex home. Society will present the traditional beliefs of what a marriage is while, at home they are exhibited another. The social aspect of the home would also be a problem. Peer pressure is a huge factor in the life a child. Every person on the face of the earth faces peer pressure. It becomes