I believe every child deserves a loving family. A family is composed of people (or someone) who cares for you, is there at your highest and at your lowest, loves you unconditionally, and is your rock. One can find a loving family within their biological family, within friends, within the community, or within an adoptive family. The point is, there is no black and white notion that defines what a family is.
This brings me to the subject of adoption- more specifically, LGBT adoption. In the United States alone, more than 250,000 kids enter the foster system each day. Worldwide, there is an estimated 132 million orphans looking for a family. In the United States, an estimated 2 million LGBT couples are interested in adopting a child.
A common misconception is that children need both a mother and a father in order to raise a healthy child. I say a child needs a loving family. It doesn't matter whether a child is raised by a a mom and a dad, a single parent, their extended family, or with two moms or two dads. The fact is that a child needs a loving home, and as long as a loving home is being provided then I don't see why there's such a huge stigma.
There are many myths associated with LGBT adoption that just aren't correct. My desire is to debunk these myths.
Myth: Kids who are raised by LGBT parents are more likely to grow up gay themselves.
First of all, if this were true (which it isn't) what would be the big deal? There is nothing wrong with being a part of the LGBT community. That argument is absurd and judgmental. Also, logically speaking, how would one explain LGBT individuals who were raised by strictly heterosexual parents? If heterosexuality didn't influence LGBT individuals who came from straight families, why would the latter work that way? Statistically speaking, "All available evidence to date demonstrates that the sexual orientation of parents has no impact on the sexual orientation of their children - children raised by gay or lesbian parents are no more likely to turn out gay than their heterosexually raised peers." In fact, that child is more likely to welcome diversity.
*Drop the mic*
Myth: Being raised in an LGBT environment is immoral
An immoral environment is one in which the child is exposed to hurtful scenarios, emotional and physical abuse, and a lack of care. Just because a child has two mommies or two daddies does not dictate immorality. That notion is backwards and ignorant.
Myth: Being raised in an LGBT home will develop social problems for the child
This one may be true. Kids are more likely to ridicule an individual that they deem as "different" but ridicule doesn't fall only to children of LGBT parents. A child will be bullied for nearly everything, and the problem isn't because the child has LGBT parents, the problem lies with lack of proper education. LGBT families are seen as "different" when in reality they shouldn't be categorized as such. It's the stigma that's bringing problems, not the household. If you're so worried about the child being bullied, then maybe the best step is to start with educating your own kid not to bully or judge others for having a different house.
This is a subject that really irks me. In the land of the "free" and the home of the brave, why is LGBT adoption considered such a taboo? In actuality, the willingness of couples to save a child's life is a beautiful thing. I was born into a family with a loving father and mother, but I am well aware that not everyone is as lucky as I am. I do know however, that I would be grateful for a family, no matter the sexual orientation of my parents.
A child wants and deserves to be loved. Everyone deserves a family. Stop the stigma. Welcome LGBT adoption.
