Acceptance Process Experienced by Parents of Gay Children to the Acknowledgement of their Sexual Orientation

Abstract

The research experience presented hereby is focused on the development of family proceedings in the knowledge of the sexual orientation of children, specifically focused on the acceptance process experienced by parents of gay children, taking as sample two family cases. The study was conducted in the city of Estelí, during the period 2009-2010, in order to approach the understanding of the process of acceptance experienced by parents of gay children to the knowledge of their sexual orientation. It was made from a qualitative, exploratory methodological approach and crosssection attention, using the methodology of case study. The techniques used for data collection were: in-depth interviews, direct observation and the questionnaire. The data were analyzed in terms of the stated objectives and according to their qualitative nature, using different methods of analysis. Information was organized by themes and analyzes were supported with the accounts of male and female respondents.

The most relevant results indicate that family and social perception of parents regarding their children’s homosexuality is influenced by myths, prejudices and stereotypes. Equally, it is influenced by the different ways in which society expresses environment hostility toward people of such diversity. The personal experiences of parents during the acceptance process carry reactions ranging from initial emotional shock to family reorganization, which is the third process to reach full acceptance and unconditional support. As part of the experiences of the process, there are also concerns and fears which are the product of a cultural reality shared by both families, and especially the internalization that parents make of the stigma attached to homosexuality. Five resources and / or strategies used by parents as a way of coping during the acceptance process were identified, which largely contributed to facilitate the process. Finally, it is concluded that the acceptance and family support are very important to the health and welfare of diverse people regarding sexual orientation.