Influence of parents on the sexual orientation of childrenDo parents influence the sexuality of their children? The answer might surprise you: no, it’s not. It has been found that approximately 90% of sons of homosexual fathers are heterosexual (Bailey 124). It has also been found that 90% of daughters of lesbian women are also heterosexual (Golombok 4). According to a survey by Northwestern University, almost 95% of people expect children of gay parents to be gay themselves (Bailey 125). This popular belief has influenced many child custody decisions due to the possibility of parents molesting children or children becoming homosexual themselves. Even if children becoming gay is a possibility, why deny custody to a parent based on their sexuality? The question has been raised as to what can and cannot make a child gay. Some people think that children learn by imitating their parents. This theory cannot be completely dismissed, but due to recent research it seems more unlikely. Others have said that children identify with a parent of the opposite sex and copy their behavior, which, coupled with a distant parent of the same sex, makes the argument even more credible. It is also possible that homosexual parents reinforce certain types of behaviors, whether they are homosexual or heterosexual (Bailey 125-126). Some say that hormones affect children's sexuality, which can be inherited from parents. For example, an anatomical difference in the hypothalamus of homosexual men was recently identified, but the reason for this difference is still unknown (Golombok 4). Sex hormones are seen by some...... middle of paper...... Whether it is hormones or genes inherited from parents, or the environment in which a child is raised, researchers have yet to complete their studies on the issue to discover the truth behind the matter.BibliographyBailey, J. Michael. Sexual orientation of adult sons of homosexual fathers. Developmental psychology. 1995, vol. 31, n° 1, 124-129 Golombok, Susan. Do parents influence the sexual orientation of their children? Results of a longitudinal study of lesbian families. Developmental psychology. 1996, Vol. 32, No. 1, 3-11Meyer-Bahlburg, Heino FL Parental influences on the development of homosexual orientation. Developmental psychology. 1995, vol. 31, No. 1, 12-21 Patterson, Charlotte. Sexual orientation and human development. Developmental psychology. 1995, vol. 31, no. 1, 3-11