Abstract
This paper is a research proposal to investigate how the media portray homosexuality in the news, sitcoms, and advertisements. The paper looks at the imbalance in the positive and negative portrayals of homosexuals and proposes a need for further research in this area.

From the Paper
"Homosexuality is a very popular topic on the news. Homosexuals are portrayed as "unnatural," "threatening to society," and are being harshly scrutinized. Throughout the News, such as ABCNews, the point of argument is whether or not gays should be able to get married or if they should be able to adopt children. Such negativity is not only shown throughout every state but our President of the United States, George Bush, is trying to "redo" the constitution so that homosexuals will be unable to get married or adopt. Public support for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages has grown in the last month, leaving the nation split down the middle as President Bush announced his support recently for an amendment(Morris). The implications of this amendment will be negative toward the homosexual community."

Tags:same-sex, marriages, will, and, grace, gays, ellen, out, of, the, closet, lifestyle

Abstract
In this paper, the writer notes that although there have been many changes made in the last 10 years, same-sex adoption is still a major controversy issue in today's society. The writer uses relevant literature to demonstrate statistics regarding same-sex adoption. The writer maintains that many people believe that same-sex adoption is immoral and unethical. On the other hand, many people believe that same-sex adoption is acceptable, because they believe that the welfare of the child is more important than the gender of the child. The writer concludes that as long as the child is properly cared for mentally, physically and emotionally, the gender of the child should not be an issue.

From the Paper
"Although the percentage rate of same-sex adoption has approved 64 % in the last 4 years, it is still a major issue in today's society. Some people believe that same-sex adoption is wrong, simply because the union itself is non-traditional. Therefore adoption is unethical. Others believe that same-sex adoption is acceptable, because they believe that the child should be raised with two parents that love him or her, regardless of the parent's gender. As long as the child is being cared for properly, in all aspects, mentally, physically, and emotionally there should not be any dispute of the parent's gender."

Tags:adoption, controversy, homosexuality, sex

Abstract
This paper deals with one of the most controversial issues in America today: whether or not gay marriage should be legalized. The author puts forward the three main arguments against gay marriage: 1) it can put children at risk; 2) it can cause undue expenses for employers and the U.S. government; 3) it has the potential to undermine the traditional institution of marriage between one man and one woman. The author of the paper, states however, that gay marriage should be thoroughly examined from every angle of inquiry in order to promote and encourage the democratic principles upon which America was founded.

From the Paper
"One of the most basic arguments against gay marriage is related to the role of children in such unions. Legalizing gay marriage, as Peter Sprigg points out, "would of course logically lead to granting homosexual unions adoptive and parenting rights and the implications of this are dire indeed" (156). Conversely, some studies have suggested that there appears to be no solid difference between children raised in a stable homosexual home and those raised in a traditional heterosexual home, yet in truth, there are a number of problems with the potential to severely affect the children brought up in such environments.
"First of all, the development of sexual identity could be impaired among children of lesbian or gay parents. Some studies suggest that "children brought up by gay fathers or lesbian mothers show disturbances in gender identity or in gender role behavior" and that some children "will themselves become gay as a result of living in a gay environment" (Kotulski, 167). In this case, children would become confused as to their individual gender differences and might not see nor understand the differences between men and women. Also, if a child sees nothing wrong with being gay, he/she might attempt to emulate the parent's lifestyle and thus lead the life of a homosexual/lesbian."

Tags:identity, traditional, lesbian, gender

Abstract
This is a six page paper going into this issue of gay parenting. Despite all of the hostility towards same sex coupling and marriage, it shows that homosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community members have kids and raise them successfully to be strong, proud members of their communities.

From the Paper
"Abigail Garner was five years old when her parents divorced and her father told her that he was, in fact, a homosexual man. Garner talks about how this changed her identity, first making her confused but then, with an increased understanding of her father and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. Now, she speaks out as an advocate to LGBT rights and is proud of her upbringing, feeling that it made her into a stronger, more unique person who became closer to her parents and acquired a stronger understanding of her own identity. And Abigail Garner is not unique: according to the 2000 U.S. Census,..."

Tags:gay, sociology, parenting

Abstract
The growing movement of the gay rights movement in the United States, Canada and elsewhere has raised some sensitive issues. Not the least of these is whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children. This paper explores this problem.

Tags:gay, couples, adopt

Abstract
The paper describes how homosexual-parent families are very much a part of society. The writer argues that there are many misconceptions about these families, but through examining professional literature and looking at the facts, those misconceptions are debunked. The writer proposes that gay and lesbian parents are no different from heterosexual parents in their commitment and ability to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. The writer concludes that accepting the presence of gay and lesbian parents and providing them with the rights and support they need will be a big step towards improving the well-being of these parents and the children that they raise.

From the Paper
"The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize homosexuality as a mental disorder, and urge all mental health professionals to counter "the stigma of mental illness that had long been associated with homosexual orientation" (American Psychological Association 2005). Likewise, it has not been shown that gays become bad parents due to a lack of parenting skills or a lack of time. Because gender roles are not clear-cut in homosexual relationships, gays and lesbians are actually able to divide household and family labor relatively evenly, and report higher levels of domestic satisfaction (Johnson and O'Connor 2002)."

Tags:bisexual, children, families, gay, lesbian, parenting, transgender

Abstract
The paper discusses facts concerning children raised by same-sex couples and focuses on the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. The paper states that there are no significant negative effects of lesbian or gay parents on children's mental, social, emotional and sexual development. The paper comments that the negative effects that do occur are very small and are a product of a stigmatizing and discriminating society that does not view same-sex relationships as equal to opposite-sex relationships. The paper concludes that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt will only perpetuate society's discrimination of homosexuals and continue to create a vicious cycle of stigma and inequality.

From the Paper
"These differences have been mostly explained due to the nature of the same-sex parenting relationship. In same-sex households, children may acquire higher levels of empathy due to their more frequent experiences of social stress, stigma or harassment due to their family composition. Instead of reacting to these forms of discrimination with increased societal withdrawal, children of same-sex parents have been found to express themselves as being more tolerant of all members of society and more understanding of the pain and suffering of others. In addition, their increased comfort with their own sexuality has been attributed to the fact that the majority of same-sex parents do not have expectations for their children in terms of what their sexual orientation will be and are much more open minded to the variety of sexual orientations that exist. "

Tags:homosexuality, visitation, rights, gender, based, divisions

Abstract
It is estimated that between one and nine million American children have at least one parent who is gay. While most of these children were produced in a heterosexual relationship before the gay parent ?came out,? an increasing number of same-sex partners are becoming parents through adoption or foster parenting. This paper explores research and opinions in favor and against adoption of children by same-sex couples.

From the Paper
"However, it must be addressed that, to a large extent, this is an unknown area because the baby boom is still very young. There aren't enough same-sex adoptions to be a representative sample. While my guess is that having parents who are of the same sex won't be the major focus in an adolescent's life, it will still subject that individual to teasing and homophobic reactions from his/her peers.(Martin) In addition, while state laws are changing, many states are still being influenced by homophobia. Therefore, legally, same-sex couples can adopt, but many will be denied the opportunity anyway. Only recently has it become more normal for same-sex couples to adopt children and it is impossible to draw accurate conclusions on the long-term effects same-sex adoption will have on children."

Tags:American, Academy, of, Pediatrics, sexual, identity, lesbian

Abstract
This paper examines the current situation in which homosexual couples wishing to adopt a child are discriminated against. The writer argues against this practice, stating that one's sexual morality should not take away from one's ability to be a good parent; and that this should be the major criteria for deciding who is fit to adopt.

From the Paper
"A home. Two loving parents or at least one loving parent. Two or even one heart filled with unconditional love for a child. Surely this is something that every child should expect to come home to? Of course, not every child born in America today enjoys this luxury. But it is an ideal that every adoption and social service agency should aspire to create. Thus, homosexual parents and homosexual individuals should be allowed to adopt children. Currently, some states, such as Florida, bar gay adoption. Recently, a family overseen by two gay men was broken up by Florida's department of social services, because the law would not allow the couple to formally adopt the. ("Riveted to Rosie" Gay Parent Magazine, March Online Edition) Other states, such as California, do not prohibit gay adoption outright. However, although "a gay or lesbian couple is not legally barred from adopting a child" simply because of sexual orientation and "it is still more difficult, as a practical matter, for gay and lesbian couples to adopt than for married couples." (Guerlin & Glima, Chapter 1) Both legal and informal discrimination must cease. An individual's sexuality is not of paramount importance in his or her ability to provide a stable home life. Furthermore, an individual's fitness as a parent should be the primary criteria considered in the adoption process, not his or her morality outside of parental fitness. Lastly, good homes are too scarce for some children in today's adoption market, particularly for older, ailing, or less physically desirable children, to eliminate potential parents because of their sexuality."

Tags:sexuality, parent, morality

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gay adoption, is the adoption of children by individuals in a conjugal relationship with a member of the same sex. The writer notes that the topic of same-sex adoption is highly controversial, due to the arguments by those opposed to it that same-sex marriage would do a disservice to the nation, traditional values and the health and well being of the adopted children. The writer argues that the arguments against same-sex adoption are based on flawed assumptions and therefore hold little to no water in terms of being valid arguments. Furthermore, the writer maintains that research indicates that same-sex adoption provides equal, if not more benefits to children, as compared to children of heterosexuals, and that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt is a denial of basic human and civil rights.

From the Paper
"To continue to deny same-sex couples the right and the ability to adopt children together, instead of going through long drawn out processes in which one parent adopts as a single parent followed by the partner adopting the child later, is a continuation of severe discrimination, and should not be allowed.
"There is a growing body of literature concerning same-sex parents and their children. The research covers a variety of topics, including the process same-sex couples go through when deciding to have children, how they come to the decision, and how they decide upon which method to use when having children. The literature discusses the impact on the health of the individuals within the relationship in terms of their concerns for their children about social stigma and discrimination, as well as how their own personal levels of internalized homophobia relate to their decision of whether or not to raise children together. However, the literature of most interest to this paper concerns the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. "

Tags:children, rights, parents, couples