Benefits of Same Sex Parenting

At the Center for Surrogate Parenting (CSP), we are proud to help create families of all kinds. We work with the LGBTQIA+ community to help them achieve their dreams of parenthood. There are many reasons to celebrate same-sex parenting, and researchers have found there are benefits to same-sex parenting. In fact, gay parenting offers opportunities for children to learn tolerance and skills for dealing with adversity.  

Same-sex parenting isn’t an accident

About 50% of the pregnancies that occur between members of different-sex encounters or relationships are accidental. When a gay individual or couple decides to become parents, it is a motivated, conscious decision. Adoption or fostering is an option for some gay adults. However, there are those who wish to have a child with a biological connection, and surrogacy is a viable option. LGBTQIA+ parents come to CSP seeking the specialized expertise and continual compassion we’re known for. Today, more than 30% of our clients are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, having recognized our invaluable insights into the legal and medical nuances of surrogacy. 

Same-sex households rely on their strengths

When it comes to raising children, a study focusing on two-father households where both are working shows that they rely on childcare facilities, babysitters, housekeepers or relatives for support, just like different-sex families do. But when it comes to taking on responsibilities as parents, they tend to base it on each other’s strengths and skills, rather than following social constructs. Same-sex parenting offers the children a clear understanding of love, familial responsibility, and equitable relationships. This is just one of many benefits of same-sex parenting. 

Same-sex parents have higher involvement

Historically, same-sex parents have been overlooked in their children’s educational environments. According to a 2008 study focusing on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ parents and their children within school environments, many have experienced bias. However, the study found that not only are LGBTQIA+ parents an asset for their school communities, they were also more likely to be involved and engaged in their children’s day-to-day educational life. 

Other researchers who’ve found similar results say that this increased presence may be due to gay parents’ focus on asserting same-sex visibility, inclusion, and counter-bias. By being more active with their children’s schools, they increase opportunities for positive interactions with school officials and other parents and show active support for their children’s education. These parents often serve as class parents, volunteers, serve in PTA groups, and on school boards. There is little question that children benefit greatly from a parent’s presence and interest in their school activities and education. 

Same-sex parents raise well-adjusted kids

Medical, psychological, and social welfare professionals have developed the consensus that children raised in healthy same-sex households are as well-adjusted as those raised by heterosexual parents. This is one of the biggest benefits of same-sex parenting. According to the American Psychological Association, “the adjustment, development, and psychological well-being” of children is unrelated to parental sexual orientation. Children thrive and benefit from happy, healthy environments where they feel safe, secure, and loved. 

Numerous studies have found that children of gay parents and children of straight parents show few differences in achievement, mental health, and social functioning. Another study found that daughters raised by gay fathers showed less anxiety and stress than daughters raised in heterosexual families. 

Gay parenting demonstrates diversity

There is little question that children living with same-sex parents sometimes feel different than their peers. However, researchers found that these children had a better understanding of the diversity of families that exist in the world. Despite encountering adversity due to having LGBTQIA+ parents, studies show that these children have greater resilience in navigating difficult situations. They also had positive perceptions about their families. 

Gay parents raise confident children

A 2006 study examined the children in planned lesbian families, in both single-lesbian households and lesbian-couple households. Researchers found no differences between these children and those who were born into heterosexual households with regard to their development and social behavior. However, they did find that these children showed more confidence than those with heterosexual parents. Greater self-esteem was likely the result of a greater level of active involvement by the gay parents. 

Surrogacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples 

The Center for Surrogate Parenting has worked with same-sex intended parents since 1989. Our philosophy is that every intended parent should have the opportunity to realize their dreams of having a child. We have gay-friendly surrogates who share that philosophy.

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