Common Myths and Stereotypes: Family Misconceptions

MYTH:     Lesbians and gay men are not family oriented

FACT:        Lesbians and gay men are indeed members of families. They are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters    , aunts, uncles, and cousins. Many gay men and lesbians have extended families as well as the families or relatives of their spouses ... also known as lovers or domestic partners. They have the same range of needs and desires for family ties as non-gays do.

MYTH:     Lesbians and gay men do not want to settle down with just one mate.

FACT:        Here is another myth related to the “lesbians and gay men are only looking for sex”stereotype. Many gay men and lesbians have the same desires and needs as non-gays to establish lasting, monogamous, one-on-one relationships with someone. Many gay men and lesbians find such partners. As with non-gay relationships, sometimes they last a lifetime and sometimes they end in separations. Possibly the only real difference between a gay or lesbian “love” relationship and that of a non-gay couple is in the area of legalized marriage. There is essentially no difference in the affectional ties, legitimacy, emotional ups and downs, fears, anxieties, commitments or personal rewards.

MYTH:     Lesbians and gay men can’t and don’t want to have children.

FACT:        Many lesbians and gay men have the same drives to be parents as many non-gays do. This fact is supported by the many support groups that exist for gay fathers and lesbian mothers. Some lesbians and gay men enter into heterosexual marriages in order to have and raise children. Others choose to adopt or to become foster parents. In addition, some lesbians use artificial insemination as a means for having children. Recent studies show that gay men and lesbians are no more or less suited or qualified to be parents than non-gays. When people learn that many lesbians and gay men are parents, they often assume that the children will become homosexual. This assumption is not supported by scientific findings. On the contrary, a study in the June 1978 American Journal of Psychology reported that 36 out of 37 children raised by a sampling of homosexual parents were found to be heterosexual.

MYTH:     Lesbians and gay men can’t “really” love their mates.

FACT:        Gay men and lesbians are just as capable of falling in love and establishing rewarding and fulfilling relationships as are non-gays

MYTH:    Lesbians and gay men are all atheists or anti-religious
 
FACT:        Lesbians and gay men are no less religious than non-gays. Recent studies show that nearly every major religious sect has a gay/lesbian following. This fact can be supported by looking at the number of gay and lesbian churches and religious organizations. (see list)

next subject: Speakers Evaluation Form

back to table of contents