In a new study published in the journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy, researchers explored the developmental pathways of gender identity and sexual orientation among donor-conceived offspring of lesbian parents from adolescence to adulthood. The study, conducted as part of the US National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS), provides unique insights into the experiences of these individuals and challenges many preconceptions surrounding the upbringing of children by same-sex parents.
The NLLFS, initiated in 1986, is the longest-running and largest study of its kind, following 75 offspring (39 assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 36 assigned male at birth (AMAB)) from adolescence through emerging adulthood and into their thirties. This study aimed to address the persistent societal concerns that children raised by lesbian parents would exhibit confusion about their gender and a higher likelihood of non-heterosexual orientation.
The study found that gender identity remained remarkably stable over time. All AMAB offspring and 94.7% of AFAB offspring who identified as cisgender during adolescence continued to do so into adulthood. Only two individuals (one AMAB and one AFAB) transitioned to a non-binary identity in adulthood. These findings indicate that donor-conceived offspring of lesbian parents are less likely to identify as transgender than the general public, where about 10% of the 7.2% of U.S. adults identifying as LGBT report a transgender identity.
The research highlighted differences in gender expression between AFAB and AMAB offspring. While 74.4% of AFAB offspring perceived their appearance as very or mostly feminine, 91.7% of AMAB offspring viewed themselves as very or mostly masculine. Interestingly, mannerisms were more fluid, with 41% of AFAB offspring and 30.6% of AMAB offspring describing their mannerisms as somewhat feminine, equally feminine and masculine, or somewhat masculine.
Sexual orientation exhibited more fluidity compared to gender identity. By adulthood, 56.4% of AFAB and 80.6% of AMAB offspring identified as heterosexual. Among those who did not identify as heterosexual, 28.2% of AFAB and 5.6% of AMAB offspring identified as bisexual, while 12.8% of AFAB and 5.6% of AMAB offspring identified as queer. These figures suggest a higher prevalence of non-heterosexual orientations among AFAB offspring compared to AMAB offspring.
The study examined the developmental trajectories of gender identity and sexual orientation across three critical periods: adolescence (age 17), emerging adulthood (age 25), and adulthood (ages 30–33). It found a high degree of continuity in gender identity, with nearly all participants maintaining their cisgender identity over time. Sexual orientation, however, demonstrated more variability, particularly among AFAB individuals, who showed greater fluidity in their sexual orientation compared to their AMAB counterparts.
These findings hold significant implications for public policy and the support structures for families headed by lesbian parents. The study suggests that offspring of lesbian parents are thriving and exhibit stable gender identities and a range of sexual orientations. This stability in gender identity and the observed sexual fluidity align with broader societal trends of increasing acceptance and recognition of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
To enhance the well-being of these individuals, the study underscores the importance of creating supportive environments that affirm and respect their gender and sexual identities. Increased public awareness and understanding of the normalcy of these developmental pathways can help reduce societal stigma and promote the mental health and overall thriving of offspring of lesbian parents.
