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.

摘要

本研究的目的是调查有过异性恋关系的孩子的同性恋父亲和女同性恋母亲样本中的性行为。特别是，我们比较了他们在各自的同性恋和异性恋关系中的性功能，并探讨了可能的相关因素。32 名自称女同性恋者和 26 名自称男同性恋者（平均年龄 45.62 ± 8.88 岁）参加了。调查了内在的恐同症、性满足和性功能。对于女性来说，从异性恋转变为同性恋关系降低了性问题的发生率（分别为 78.1% 和 3.1%）；然而，对于男性，频率保持不变，除了性欲低下（分别为 26.9% 和 0.0%）。在同性恋父亲中，目前内化的恐同程度与同性伴侣的性功能有关，而结婚时的性取向意识与与异性伴侣的性功能有关。在女同性恋母亲中，结婚时内化的同性恋恐惧症与与异性伴侣的性功能有关。一般来说，没有向孩子透露自己的同性恋身份与性功能较差有关。了解内在的恐同症对同性恋父母的性功能的影响对于设计促进性幸福的干预措施很有用。而结婚时的性取向意识与与异性伴侣的性功能有关。在女同性恋母亲中，结婚时内化的同性恋恐惧症与与异性伴侣的性功能有关。一般来说，没有向孩子透露自己的同性恋身份与性功能较差有关。了解内在的恐同症对同性恋父母的性功能的影响对于设计促进性幸福的干预措施很有用。而结婚时的性取向意识与与异性伴侣的性功能有关。在女同性恋母亲中，结婚时内化的同性恋恐惧症与与异性伴侣的性功能有关。一般来说，没有向孩子透露自己的同性恋身份与性功能较差有关。了解内在的恐同症对同性恋父母的性功能的影响对于设计促进性幸福的干预措施很有用。