People aren’t born one to act a predetermined way. Our genes might make it more probable for us to be a certain way but our environment plays a big part in the creative process. For example, just because a man or women lifts weights and becomes physically ripped does not mean their offspring will exit the womb resembling Arnold Shwarzenegger. Professional athletes were not in uniform when they were born, nor did they know how to dribble a basketball, what made them the person they are is the environment around them which was mostly provided to them by their parents. Our parents or lack there of, play a major factor in who we are. However, children can make decisions too, decisions that are aided by our parents ability or inability to raise us.
Being a parent is a very difficult process, and no matter what, you are going to have affected your child in negative and positive ways. The perfect parent does not exist, we make mistakes and fortunately our following generation gets to learn from them. If we are the most protective and nurturing parents, our children might just end up as softies. If we are the most careless parents who let our child do whatever they want, our children might end up reckless enough to harm themselves in a bad way. There is an obtainable medium in parenting; set our children up for success but let them learn from their own mistakes.
If two men or two women can prove they can provide for a child better than the alternative (usually a foster home or something of the sort), then let them sign the papers. While it might not be a normal home environment for the child, the amount of time and energy is what matters most. In most families nowadays, nothing is normal. Rarely ever nowadays is there a biological mother and father with only biological children. Without dysfunction, a family just isn’t a family. What makes a family is the commitment that is made to stick together through thick and thin regardless of the obstacles thrown in front of us.
My parents divorced when I was two. Around the same time my future step dad moved in, he had a son from previous marriage who lived with us from time to time. My mother had two kids with him; my brother and my sister. My mother then divorced and remarried several years later to a man with two children from another previous marriage. Through all of this dysfunction, my brother, my sister and my mother remain the people I care most about.
My mother made the commitment when I was born into this world that she was going to be my protector and she followed through, it just took a couple marriages to do so. If two people who are probably more prepared than most want to care for a child then more power to them. There are going to be differences in the way that child is brought up, sure, but aren’t we all brought up a little differently than anyone else?
My son is almost 1 and a half and he is my whole world. His mother and I are a young couple and have struggles with everyday life as we all do. I’ve learned from my mistakes and the mistakes of others. I know that I will not be the greatest parent that’s ever lived but I can at least strive to be. My goal in life is to care for my son until he is able to care for himself. I hope to raise an honorable man and a thankful son. If two men or two women have similar intensions, them who am I to say what they should or shouldn’t do?

In 2002, there was a comprehensive report done by the American Academy Pediatrics, thoroughly reviewing the effects of same sex parents. Their finding were conclusive, the differences between “normal” families and same sex families are virtually non-existent. Their research show that there is no higher probability that a child will become a homosexual just because the people who raise them were themselves homosexual. The only real difference that was found in the children raised by homosexuals was that they were more accepting and nurturing towards younger children; of which does not seem like such a detrimental happening(AAP,pg 200).
One opposition of same sex parents are religious people. This group may include people who simply believe in the bible and go to church regularly but it may also include people who believe something is wrong because they were raised to think so. I have much respect for those involved in a religious lifestyle, that kind of devotion takes a lifetime of dedication. My only discrepancy with religious fanatics is that they have a hard time thinking outside of the box. Thousands of years ago, scriptures were written to persuade the way people act to the liking of the author(s). Just because Christopher Columbus was portrayed as an honorable man and down to Earth person doesn’t mean I have to believe everything they say. Homosexuality might not be able to reproduce but it doesn’t mean it won’t be able to raise a respectable and well cared for human being.
There has been much speculation as to what causes homosexuality. The North American Journal Of Psychology states prenatal development, brain morphology and function, behavioral genetics, environmental factors, childhood and adolescence, and stability/plasticity of sexual orientation could all play a role(NAJP, 2010). All of these factors may contribute to homosexuality but it is still proven as to what degree will actually cause homosexuality.
Sexual orientation is just one character trait of our parents. Most of the time, we are not given the opportunity to live out our childhood with the two people responsible for our birth. Divorce happens, death happens, neglect happens, basically, stuff happens. Throughout my life I have had several parents, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I do not blame any of the for having bad parenting skills. For being a parent isn’t something you can learn in one day. Being a parent is a process that should take a lifetime. I can only hope that from learning from their behaviors, as they probably did with their parents, that I can become at least a slightly better parent.
Recently, there has been advances in the acknowledgement of gay couples. For the first time ever, the U.S. Census will include data on gay marriages and how many children they have. This will enable researchers to further study the effect of homosexual parents (World Future Society, 2010). In 2000, 33 percent of lesbian couple, and 22 percent of male same sex couples reported to having at least one child under their roof (U.S. Census, 2000).
In conclusion, there is no reason why the combination of any two people shouldn’t be allowed to raise a child; black and white, man and man, woman and woman. Our children are out future: without giving them the best possible means of growing and being successful we are only hurting ourselves in the long run. When we are old and crusty and decrepit, they are going to be the ones taking care of us. If two people are financially and emotionally able to care for a child there is no reason why they shouldn’t.
Most what is wrong with the world today is brought about by the stubbornness and unwillingness of people to make a change. Wars have been fought and millions have died because a tradition of the crossing of a border. I am an advocate of standing up for what you believe, but at some point in time we must humble ourselves and think of the bigger picture: the world does not revolve around one person’s or even a heritage’s beliefs. The sake of humanity rests within the palm of our hands, we will decide whether or not crush it or to let it blossom.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
Works Cited
Ed Stefan Keisbye. Greenhaven Press. 2009. “Gay Couples Should Not be Barred From Raising Children.”
American Academy Of Pediatrics. 2002.
　
North American Journal of Psychology. 2010. “Can anyone tell me why I'm gay? What research suggests regarding the origins of sexual orientation.”
World Future Society. 2010
U.S. Census. 2000