Influence of parents on the sexual orientation of their childrenDo parents influence the sexuality of their children? The answer may surprise you: no, they don't. It has been found that approximately 90% of children of gay 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 conducted by Northwestern University, nearly 95% of people expect children of homosexual parents to be homosexual themselves (Bailey 125). This popular belief has influenced many child custody decisions due to the possibility of parents molesting the children or the possibility of the children becoming homosexual themselves. While 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 what cannot make a child homosexual. Some believe that children learn by imitating their parents. This theory cannot be completely rejected, but due to recent research it is believed to be more unlikely. Others have said that children identify with a parent of the opposite sex and copy their behavior, this 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 behavior, both homosexual and heterosexual (Bailey 125-126). Some say that hormones influence children's sexuality, which can be inherited from parents. For example, an anatomical difference was recently identified in the hypothalamus of homosexual men, 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 hormones sexual. question to find out the truth behind the matter. Bibliography Bailey, J. Michael. Sexual orientation of adult children of gay fathers. Developmental psychology. 1995, vol. 31, no. 1, 124-129 Golombok, Susan. Do parents influence their children's sexual orientation? 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, 12-21Patterson, Charlotte. Sexual orientation and human development. Developmental psychology. 1995, vol. 31, no. 1, 3-11