Children of lesbian and gay parents

ABSTRACT—Does parental sexual orientation affect child development, and if so, how? Studies using convenience samples, studies using samples drawn from known popu-lations, and studies based on samples that are represen-tative of larger populations all converge on similar conclusions. More than two decades of research has failed to reveal important differences in the adjustment or de-velopment of children or adolescents reared by same-sex couples compared to those reared by other-sex couples. Results of the research suggest that qualities of family re-lationships are more tightly linked with child outcomes than is parental sexual orientation. KEYWORDS—sexual orientation; parenting; lesbian; gay; child; socialization Does parental sexual orientation affect child development, and i