Comparing heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviors in a sample of gay and lesbian parents who had children in a previous heterosexual relationship.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of sexual difficulties in a sample of gay men and lesbian women who became parents in a previous heterosexual relationship and to compare sexual satisfaction in both relationships (heterosexual and homosexual). Methods: 34 gay fathers and 32 lesbian mothers were recruited (mean age ¼ 46.34 ± 7.87 years). Data on sexual desire, arousal and orgasmic difficulties were collected through an online survey. Participants were asked to respond in relation to both heterosexual and homosexual sexual activity. The global level of sexual satisfaction was also investigated. Results: Among men, the most frequently reported level of sexual satisfaction was “quite good” (32.4%) in the context of heterosexual relationships and “very good” (44.1%) in homosexual relationships. Among women, the most frequently referred level of sexual satisfaction was “scarce” (32.4%) with other-sex partners and “very good” (40.6%) with same-sex partners. Sexual problems were more prevalent in heterosexual intercourse than in homosexual intercourse among both men and women. Conclusion: The current research provides a preliminary contribution to the study of sexual difficulties related to sexual orientation. The evaluation of the experiences of gay and lesbian parents who had children in a previous heterosexual relationship points toward the complex multidimensionality of sexual orientation.