Articles - Advice & Education

Ricky Martin has responded to an “ex-gay” report which aired on Univision's news magazine Qui y Ahora. In a tweet, Martin wrote: “It's inborn. The heterosexual is born or made? ;o.” (“@MariaESalinas Se nace. El heterosexual nace o se hace? ;o.”) The popular Spanish language program featured a young man who attempted to alter his sexuality via Exodus International, a ministry that believes homosexuality can and should be altered.

A growing body of research coming out of San Francisco State University's Family Acceptance Project, has shown that by choosing to accept their GLBT children, families can make a profound difference in the lives of our youth. For example, youth who experience greater family acceptance report lower levels of depression, and are far less likely to attempt suicide, use illegal drugs, or have unprotected sex.

Research on families headed by gay and lesbian parents shows that we may bring talents to the job that straight parents don't. Gay parents "tend to be more motivated, more committed than heterosexual parents on average, because they chose to be parents," said Abbie Goldberg, a psychologist at Clark University in Massachusetts who researches gay and lesbian parenting. Gays and lesbians rarely become parents by accident, compared with an almost 50 percent accidental pregnancy rate among heterosexuals, Goldberg said.

The foundation for their political beliefs is simple: all people are created equal. Missouri 14-year old eighth-graders Maja, Lucy and Symphonie released a political statement regarding gay rights. It asks viewers to speak out against bullying and advocate for marriage equality. The girls said their families have been supportive of their opinions and beliefs, but the debates come when they talk to their parents' friends. "Usually, when adults try to discourage me because of my age, I try to share my point and my true interest in it," Symphonie said.