omosexuals mainly consisted of issues dealing with the judicial system. Although I would have liked to interview homosexual parents who are leading an alternative family lifestyle, I only used secondary data analysis to research homosexuals and children of homosexuals. Societal beliefs suggest that homosexuality and parental status cannot coexist. It is presumed that homosexual parents lack legitimate parental abilities because they are perceived as social misfits and are stereotyped as sexual molesters, emotionally unstable, and lack moral. Furthermore, societal attitudes deem homosexual parenthood as negligent; however, this is not society’s belief for heterosexual parents. Homosexual parents cannot disclose their sexual identities in custody battles because of the risk factors that threaten the existence of the family. Dominant societal beliefs view homosexual families as unhealthy and psychologically threatening to the children, thus the need for secrecy becomes a primary emphasis in maintaining family unity. The effects of societal disapproval can potentially result in child custody battles, eviction from one’s residency, or possibly the loss of employment. This has led to support for anti-discrimination laws against gays but has not increased the support for same sex marriages (Cabaj 1998). The burden of secrecy also lies with the children involved in a homosexual family. The children risk the threat of community disapproval and harassment from other children as well as adults. Often times this can have adverse affects within the child’s relationship with their parent(s) and they may face exclusion from the community. As a result, the homosexual family is forced to acquiesce to society by presenting a false persona and succumbing to societal demands. A potential risk with presenting a false image may produce a weakened support system from the homosexual community (Bozett 1987).Many children fear that th...
