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Issues in Counseling Gay and Lesbian Families
Abstract
This paper provides a general overview of issues relevant to counselors with gay or lesbian families as clients. ... As the number of homosexual families increases, so does the likelihood of facing these issues in counseling practice. This paper explores some issues facing these families, and suggests methods counselors may employ to increase their effectiveness in the counseling role.
Introduction
As years pass, fewer families fit the traditional family mold of mother, father, two children and a dog. ... Researchers estimate that as of a decade ago, between one and five million women were lesbian mothers, and between one and three million gay men were fathers (Gottman, 1990). ... Still, increasing numbers of openly gay and lesbian men and women are choosing to have children, by a variety of means, including adoption, foster care, and donor insemination (DI). ... Homosexual families are faced with legal and social obstacles that may be unfamiliar to counselors. Counselors should also be aware of the role of scientific research in the lives of gay and lesbian families, including how it may affect legal decisions and social conditions, and how research in this area may be biased by researcher influence.
Societal Issues and Attitudes Facing Gay and Lesbian Parents
Despite their substantial and increasing numbers, homosexual families are often maligned by straight society. Many people view gay and lesbian families as deviant, immoral and even dangerous to the development of children (Murphy, 1992). ... They create important issues for legal, and particularly custody, decisions. ... Higher rates of homosexuality were found in male near relatives of gays than in those with no gay relatives.
The religious community offers a substantial source of disapproval of homosexual families. Many religions describe homosexuality as a sin, and therefore followers of such religions are unlikely to accept gay and lesbian families. ... It is particularly important for counselors to recognize this as something gay and lesbian families face every day. In addition to making these families feel isolated and disliked, homophobia often breeds prejudice and discrimination (Levy, 1992).
Research on the Family Environment in Gay and Lesbian Homes
For the most part gay and lesbian families are more similar to heterosexual families than they are different (Bigner & Jacobsen, 1992). ... Lesbian and heterosexual mothers scored alike on measures of maternal attitudes and parent effectiveness (Kirkpatrick et al. ...
Children from these families were also quite similar to children from heterosexual homes. ... Just as their daily lives are similar to those of heterosexuals, so are many of the problems which bring them to counseling. However, while it is valuable to recognize the similarities among family types, it is critical to note the differences that classify gay and lesbian families as a unique group, with special needs in counseling.
Approximate Word count = 2174
Approximate Pages = 8.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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