Gay fathers are a population with unique and commonly unmet needs. Understanding these needs is key to developing successful programs and services for this population. There is a growing population of gay men who are coming out after marriage and fatherhood. In addition to the stress of coming out, there are other stresses for gay fathers. Societal homophobia frequently results in loss of physical custody and visitation restrictions. Internalized homophobia often creates self-esteem issues for men who see a conflict between being a father and being gay. As gay men and as fathers, these men can feel isolated - not fitting in with gay men and not accepted or recognized by heterosexual fathers. Gay fathers are searching for support for coming out, becoming members of the gay community and being effective parents. This presentation focuses on a grassroots effort to provide these supports. The presentation will include: · coming out issues and their impact on fathers' self esteem and mental health; · recommendations and methods for coming out to children; · a literature review covering: fitness of gay men as parents, gender identity, gender-role behavior, sexual orientation, and social relationships/development; · positive outcomes associated with a father's involvement in child rearing; · factors that place this group at risk for substance abuse, and/or HIV infection; · a model developed to support gay fathers, and methods to evaluate the model's effectiveness.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the benefits of gay fathers' involvement in the lives of their children. 2. Demonstrate methods for meeting the unique needs of this target group around coming out as gay men and parenting effectively. 3. Understand what the existing literature says on the effectiveness of gay parents
Keywords: Gay Men, Family Involvement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Gay Fathers of Greater Boston
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: President of Gay Fathers of Greater Boston, volunteer position