Same sex families in Australia

Abstract

It is an oft-heard lament that families are not what they used to be. This sentiment assumes that families are static through time, culture and region. Families are in fact an ever-evolving social institution. The family unit is responsive to social, political, economic, legal and historical pressures and continues to transform itself due to these external pressures. Contemporary Australian families have diversified from the romanticised version of the 1950's style two-parent heterosexual unit. Many different family structures exist today. One of these is the gay/lesbian family, or same sex couples parenting children. First, a basic understanding of the history of the family unit is explored. Then, an explanation of gay/lesbian parenting and family units is outlined. Understanding the implications for children with same sex parents is important as a midwifery health professional to provide appropriate and responsive care to this type of family. Social, educational, health, sexual, legal, and parenting implications for children of same sex parents are analysed in greater depth.