Gay Families are Still Families Essay - 1051 Words

While a popular catchphrase states that â€Å"family is a circle of friends that love you†, from a legal standpoint, the word â€Å"family† requires definition. Traditionally, a family has been defined as a married heterosexual couple and their children, but as more and more states are legalizing same-sex marriage, new questions arise. Regardless of ones position about whether gay marriage should be legal, it is clear that the definition of family is changing and the legal system will need to address these changes. Whether it is determining who should be a custodial parent, clarifying adoption processes, or implementing legal protections in cases of divorce, family law must grow and change along with the definition of family. Through my research,†¦show more content†¦The article â€Å"The Peculiar Mechanics of Gay Divorce† is a wealth of anecdotes and pull quotes from field authorities. Because these articles are for mass consumption magazines, their ton e is generally neutral, and journalistic practice has established them as credible sources. One specific resource upon which I have been heavily reliant in developing my thesis has been The Future Impact of Same-Sex Marriage: More Questions Than Answers. This paper, written by a Professor of Law at Georgetown University, delves into the historical background of marriage in America, provides statistics on same-sex couples, and introduces questions on how legalization of gay marriage will impact American law (Hunter). Its sources provide a wealth of additional information, to be explored further during the research process. Like my other sources, is neutral on what response the courts should have, while addressing the importance of setting precedent in the cases that are sure to arise. I have found several portals to information regarding same-sex marriage, and will be utilizing these as a method to uncover more anecdotal and statistical information that relates to my topic. These sou rces will allow my point/counterpoint to have a much broader range than if I were to rely on direct field research, as they will allow me to cover a diverse spectrum of cases and demographics. While my base might beShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Battle for Homosexual Adoption1696 Words   |  7 Pagesof learning the proper values† (Sanchez). Such a mindset betrays Talton’s ignorance of children raised in same-sex households. The blame does not solely fall on him though; many people in the world today are in the dark about whether or not to allow gay and lesbian parents to adopt children. Many research studies conclude that children are not adversely affected in any way from growing up in homosexual households; however, the fight for same-sex parents to be joined in marriage goes on, not only forRead MoreGender Stigma Behind The Hiv And Aids Epidemic Essay1717 Words   |  7 PagesSomething that will never be forgotten and still haunts gay men to this day is the gay stig ma behind the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Yes, it is fact that majority of gay men are HIV-infected but, it was said that to have AIDS was only a â€Å"gay thing† back in the 1980’s, which it is not. To this day, it influences many of our elders or parents that lived during the 1980’s that witnessed the huge outbreak. If we look at the show called Empire created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong in the episode called â€Å"TheRead MoreQueer Identity : Modern Family1460 Words   |  6 PagesRunning Head:QUEER IDENTITY: MODERN FAMILY 2 Today society displays greater diversity within households. 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These children grow with their adoptive families and if their parents have a stable relationship with each other and with their adoptive children, and have great support systems, the n it should not be difficult for those children to thrive in the world as children of gay/lesbian parentsRead MoreMetamorphosis Essay941 Words   |  4 PagesPeople who become gay or lesbian have to deal with the rejection from their family members and all the problems they face, due to what their sexual identity is. This problem leads into the book Metamorphosis, which Franz Kafka used many different characters, the plot, and setting to show many allegories. However, this is about how Gregor is facing this problem of being a bug, which is an allegory representing someone who is gay or lesbian and facing the same problems. It is shown through how hisRead MoreThe Controversy of Gay Parenting Essay972 Words   |  4 PagesThe Controversy of Gay Parenting Gay parenting is an issue that affects a great number of people worldwide. Although the number is a minority, the issue still causes heated debate. People who are in favor of Gay, Lesbian, and Bi-Sexual parenting rights claim that as long as there is a commitment to parenthood then successful parenting is achievable as a homosexual or bi-sexual. Since within a gay couple there is no chance for accidental pregnancy, the couple must make a conscious decision to becomeRead MoreGay Adoption Essay803 Words   |  4 PagesGay parents are facing discrimination because of their sexual orientation. Twenty-two states currently allow single gays to adopt and 21 states currently allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt in the U.S. (Mallon, 2007, p. 6). The ability of gay couples to rear a child should not be denied only because they are gay. Homosexuals may be looked down upon by society, but they still are humans and have morals. These morals they possess, may influence a child more than those m orals taught to a child withRead MoreAmerica s Armed Forces : Behind The Scenes1089 Words   |  5 Pagesof Americans support the Armed Forces, however, they do not know about the struggles that service members and their families must undergo. PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), deployment, sexual preference, and a fragmented education are some of the innumerable problems that they must take up. However, there are several organizations that subsidize service members, their families, and veterans. 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There are many different types of families in America. One of the types of families is same sex parent families. Gay and lesbian families are when two people of the same sex starting a family. Some usually were married to the opposite sex before. Most gay and lesbian couples lack legal rights to support their