PARENTING
This section talks about parenting.
A guide for parents and guardians on explaining to kids about LGBTQIA+.
Sam Austin, the songwriter said, ‘Homosexuality is God’s way of showing that the truly gifted aren’t burdened with children.’ Though said in jest, this statement has a fallacy that people who are homosexual do not want children. Many of the homosexuals want to have a normal life and have children. But biologically this feat is impossible so they go in for the next best option which is to adopt. The adoption of children by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) people may be in the form of a joint adoption by a same-sex couple, adoption by one partner of the other's biological child (step-child adoption), or adoption by a single LGBT+ person. The adoption of children by LGBT people is an issue of active debate. In the United States, for example, legislation to prevent adoption by LGBT people has been introduced in many jurisdictions; such efforts have largely been defeated. Prior to 1973, state courts commonly barred gay and lesbian individuals from holding a parenting role, especially through adoption. There are different sets of arguments made in support and not in favour of LGBT parenting. Some of these are listed below: In Support:
The right of a child to have a family, guardians or people who can take care of their well-being.
Human rights – child's and parent's right to have a family life.
There are almost no differences between children raised by same-sex or straight couples. For that reason, sexual orientation of the parents has almost no relevance when it comes to raising a child.
Evidence confirming that, despite the claims of those opposed to LGBT+ parenting,same-sex couples can provide good conditions to raise a child.
Not in support of:
Many adoption agencies are faith-based - it may go against their religion to support LGBTQ+ parents.
Some people think that children need a mom and a dad, rather than both of one or the other, or neither (nonbinary). They assume that one gender can teach certain things to their children that the other gender can't.
Some people think that children raised in same-sex parenting (or otherwise LGBTQ+) households will more likely experience gender and sexual disorders.
There are a lot of thoughts about typical gender roles, including what a mother and father should do in the house, as well as women needing to "domesticate" men.
What are the feelings of children growing up in homes, adopted by a homosexual couple?
Previously this was rare but in this time and age there are children and people we know who are coming from such familial units. So do children actually cope?
Children very often are confronted with the idea of a hetero-nuclear family vs the family they come from and they begin to question the difference, often feeling incomplete because of the lack of a complete family unit as perceived by the world. Most likely they also become the targets of bullying in their schools. There were also a lot of developmental challenges noticed during their early, middle and teens years.
Other studies show that LGBT people suffer from high levels of anxiety, depression, addictions and suicide. High doses of Crystal-meth and other drugs are what keep people going and they use it to fight off the depression and feeling of absolute hopelessness. Children exposed to such a lifestyle become early adopters of drugs and a gender fluid existence. Considering all the challenges that come with parenting it becomes easier to cope if men and women play their distinctive roles as one unit in the family bringing a sense of togetherness, love and support…bringing the authority and the tenderness that comes from being two distinct individuals. Ultimately a child that has grown in a very secure environment has shown to be much more stable in the relationships that they grow into and the families they are part of.
Resource : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_adoption
When dealing with a serious issue like a son or daughter’s homosexuality, it’s vital that you first get help and support for yourself.
One important question we must consider as we look at our child’s situation is ‘what is it that I want to see happen? What is my goal? What do I want to see God accomplish through this situation?’
Jeff Johnston in a guide written for parents who have to deal with a child coming out recommends that parents should have 2 goals in mind
1) Maintain a relationship and
2) Maintain a godly influence with your child.
Of course we would like to see them come out of homosexuality and become a follower of Christ. But that is something they would have to make a well thought of decision about. They should be convinced to give up this life and live the life of abundance that Christ offers. It is important for parents to relate to their children with both grace and truth. Grace offers forgiveness and demonstrates love, just as Jesus did when He interacted with people. Truth affirms we are made in God’s image, but we are desperately fallen, and we have redemption available through Christ. Trying to fix, control or change loved ones doesn’t work. In fact, it may push them away from us. God’s Word does not advise us to approve and celebrate homosexuality but clearly teaches God’s design for our relationships, sexuality and marriage. At the same time, God’s Word calls us to follow Jesus’ example, reaching out with love to those caught in sin. Pray fervently for your child. Pray that they will become aware of their sin and repent and accept the fullness of life offered. Pray also for yourself that your heart will remain open and be filled with the grace of Christ that you may accept and offer the love of Christ.