Psychological and sexual development in children raised by homosexual parents|Le développement psychologique et sexuel des enfants de parents homosexuels

Introduction Many studies that have assessed whether homosexual parenthood interferes with the psychological, cognitive and sexual development of children. It seems to emerge that growing up in a couple of same-sex parents does not interfere with the psychosexual development of children and that the possibility that children can become homosexual in the future does not depend on the sexual orientation of the parents. No difference was found in the incidence of homosexual future orientation between children of heterosexual parents and children born and raised in homosexual couples. Materials and methods In this preliminary study, a group of 112 children (mean age: 11.8) of homosexual parents living in a stable relationship with a same-sex partner were observed and examined. The following psycho diagnostic tools were used for the evaluation: spontaneous drawing, drawing of the human figure, drawing of the family, test of black images. The development of children's sexual identity was also assessed through the preferences and fantasies manifested by the following: during play, in the relationship with companions, in the type of preferred clothing. Interviews with children and parents also took place. Results and conclusions All children showed good adherence to their gender role. Being raised by a couple of same-sex parents does not compromise the child's future sexual orientation. However, sexual preference of these children may vary with adulthood as it is affected by future events and circumstances.