Gay Men Choosing Parenthood

by Gerald P. Mallon

Gay parenting is a topic on which almost everyone has an opinion but almost nobody has any facts. Here at last is a book based on a thorough review of the literature, as well as interviews with a pioneering group of men who in the 1980s chose to become fathers outside the boundaries of a heterosexual union―through foster care, adoption, and other kinship relationships.

This book reveals how very natural and possible gay parenthood can be. What factors influence this decision? How do the experiences of gay dads compare to those of heterosexual men? How effectively do professional services such as support groups serve gay fathers and prospective gay fathers? What elements of the social climate are helpful―and hurtful? Gay Men Choosing Parenthood challenges a great deal of misinformation, showing how gay fathers from different backgrounds adapted, perceived, and constructed their options and their families.

Genres: Parenting

153 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2003

Reviews

[FAHASS]

306.87 MAL

[Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoman Mallon has written an excellent and insightful book about what it means to be a gay dad in America, and the many important issues that prospective gay dads should consider both in deciding to start a family and in raising it. He does a nice job mixing real-life stories of men who have been through the experience with empirical data from the many studies that have been done about children raised in gay households. I know I will be returning to this book often for advice if and when my husband and I decide to start a family of our own.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I got this book. I learned stuff I did not know about adoption.