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

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.