NOTE: THIS IS REPLACING THE INCORRECT DRAFT SUBMITTED 12/01/2008

Marisa Ruiz

November 29, 2008

Sociology 251

Film Reaction Paper #2: What two aspects of culture or society may be affecting the difficulty

these men are having adopting children?

Historically, biologically, and socially, kinship of a family was based on the nuclear

heterosexual or “traditional” family model. Today, gay and lesbian couples are recognized as

one of many diverse family units in the United States. Regardless of social change and the gains

these “alternative” families have made, homophobia still exist resulting in prejudice, and

discrimination. While recognized as a diverse family form, many aspects of our society make it

difficult for gay men to adopt and raise children

In the film, Daddy and Papa, we observed the controversial phenomenon of gay

parenting through the difficulties and the challenges four families faced adopting children of

their own. Religion and the law are two aspects of institutional discrimination that were key

factors that contributed to the obstacles these men confronted.

The first aspect illustrates how religious beliefs advocated by religious institutions have

led to prejudice and discrimination against homosexuality. Religious institutions promote

religious agenda and activities. Its leader(s) interprets doctrine that preaches a code of ethics

and teaches moral character to their members accordingly. Many religious people feel that

homosexual families endanger heterosexual families. Some religions consider homosexuality as

an epidemic that can be cured. Others may see homosexuality as a simple choice. Most view it

as a sin. For example, John and William is a bi-racial gay couple who want to adopt Zachary,

an African-American boy. In accordance to the beliefs of her faith as a Pentecostal Christian,

Dora, Zachary’s foster mother was opposed to having two gay men adopt and raise him. After a

series of home visits, Dora realized that there was a sincerelove between the three of them.

Contrary to her beliefs that homosexuality is a sin, Dora became open minded and had change

of heart. She currently participates in their lives as “Granny.”

The other aspect regarding the law and legal institutions is illustrated in the story of Doug

and eight-year-old African-American boy, Oscar. Oscar’s father, a patient of Doug’s could no

longer care for him. Doug, a nurse practitioner became legal guardian of him when he was three

years-old. Oscar who had chronic health problemswas given a better life with Doug, than any his

father could have provided. Early on Oscar had a rough transition from being bounced around

and tended to be clingy. Now Oscar has become self confident with his stable life with the

Doug. Doug’s attempt to adopt him was shot down by Florida’s Law barring homosexuals and

lesbians to adopt children. Eventually, the ACLU offered to represent Doug in his appeal to the

Supreme Court. Social prejudice limited gay men access to the foster care and formal adoption

of children. When met with apprehension from these respectful agencies, gay and lesbian

couples had been forced to seek alternative means to become parents – such as private adoption

and surrogates.

Most importantly, the best interest of the child is the fundamental factor consistent in

cultural and social aspects that contributedto the difficulties these families contend with. There

are many widespread myths on the effects of gay parenting on a child’s well-being. For instance,

gay parenting supposedly hinders child’s emotional and sexual development, causes gender

confusion and identity issues, affects stability and sexual orientation, and lack adequate gender

role modeling. In all the research, there has been no evidence finding that children of

homosexual parents are any different from those of heterosexual parents. The children in the

featured families were resilient, well adjusted, and happy.

 Most institution assumes that parents are in a heterosexualstructured family. Prejudice

and discrimination is a social fact in the lives of these gay parents. Bias favoring heterosexual

couples is evident in the policies of these institutions. Rights of gays and lesbiansto become

parents have taken years of perseverance. Nevertheless, homosexual parents are still subjected

to prejudice and discrimination in many aspects of society and culture. Although, adopting

children is a difficult challenge, the doors are opening slowly.