Sexual functioning of a sample of lesbian and gay parents who have children from heterosexual relationships: an exploratory study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate sexuality in a sample of gay fathers and lesbian mothers with children from previous heterosexual relationships. In particular, we compared their sexual functioning in their respective homosexual and heterosexual relationships and explored possible related factors. Thirty-two self-identified lesbian women and 26 self-identified gay men (mean age 45.62 ± 8.88 years) participated. Internalized homophobia, sexual satisfaction, and sexual functioning were investigated. For women, moving from a heterosexual to a homosexual relationship decreased the prevalence of sexual problems (78.1% vs. 3.1%, respectively); however, for men, the frequencies remained unchanged, with the exception of low sexual desire (26.9% vs. 0.0%, respectively). Among gay fathers, current internalized homophobia levels were found to be associated with sexual functioning with same-sex partners, while awareness of sexual orientation at the time of marriage was associated with sexual functioning with opposite-sex partners. Among lesbian mothers, internalized homophobia at the time of marriage was associated with sexual functioning with opposite-sex partners. In general, not having revealed one’s homosexuality to one’s children was associated with worse sexual functioning. Understanding the impact of internalized homophobia on gay and lesbian parents’ sexual functioning can be useful for designing interventions for promoting sexual well-being.

Keywords:

• Coming out
• gay fathers
• internalized homophobia
• lesbian mothers
• sexual functioning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Giulia Fioravanti

Giulia Fioravanti, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy. She graduated in Psychology in 2007 and obtained the PhD degree in 2012 from the University of Florence. In 2013, she obtained the qualification of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist, and in 2015 of Clinical Sexologist. She currently teaches “Clinical Assessment” (undergraduate level) at the School of Psychology, University of Florence. Her research interests are related to psychopathology, clinical psychology, and sexology. She has published articles on the psychological correlates of problematic Internet use, on eating disorders and anxiety disorders. She is referee for the following journals: Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Personality and Individual Differences, Computer in Human Behavior, Addictive Behaviors, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Vanessa Banchi

Vanessa Banchi, Psy, is a Psychology trainee at the Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy. She graduated on Psychology in 2018 at the University of Florence with a dissertation entitled “Sexuality in a sample of homosexual parents with children from heterosexual relationships: an exploratory study”. Her research interests are related to sexology, lgbt themes, and eating disorders.

Daniel Giunti

Daniel Giunti, Psy, is a Psychotherapist and a European Certified Psycho-Sexologist. He graduated in Psychology in 2006 at the University of Florence. In 2007, he obtained a specialization in Clinical Sexology, and in 2011 in Interpersonal Psychotherapy. In 2013, he holds a Master degree in Sport Psychology and Mental Training. He currently teaches “Basic Sexology” and “Lgbt guidelines for psychotherapists” at the Institute of Interpersonal Psychoanalysis. In 2012, he founded the Integrated Sexology Center “Il Ponte”, Florence, Italy. His research interests are related to sexology and lgbt themes.