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Heterosexual, Lesbian, and Gay Preadoptive Parents’ Preferences About Child Gender

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Abstract

Little research has explored the child gender preferences of preadoptive parents. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to explore child gender preferences (and individuals’ reasons for such preferences) in a geographically diverse, US sample of 93 heterosexual, 61 lesbian, and 48 gay male preadoptive couples. Heterosexual men were the least likely to demonstrate a gender preference and gay men were the most likely. Individuals in heterosexual relationships were more likely to prefer girls than individuals in same-gender relationships. In explaining their preferences, sexual minorities often emphasized gender socialization considerations (e.g., their perceived inability to socialize a child of the opposite gender) and concerns about heterosexism (e.g., some gay men preferred girls because they felt a boy would encounter more harassment).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Clark University, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA, 01610, USA

    Abbie E. Goldberg

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  1. Abbie E. Goldberg
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Correspondence to Abbie E. Goldberg.

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Goldberg, A.E. Heterosexual, Lesbian, and Gay Preadoptive Parents’ Preferences About Child Gender. Sex Roles 61, 55–71 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-009-9598-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-009-9598-4

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