The Bisexual Parent Advantage: Open-Minded and Better Prepared for Queer Kids

• In Event: 3523 - Family Section Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 min): Table 9: Sexual and Gender Identities in Families

Abstract

This working paper presents preliminary findings from an analysis of 43 interviews with bisexual and pansexual parents. Interview transcripts and notes were thoroughly read and coded to identify emergent themes. A preliminary analysis revealed that bisexual and pansexual parents in the sample perceived their sexuality as being advantageous to their children’s upbringing. In particular, parents felt they were more open-minded towards their children’s atypical identities and interests and better prepared for conversations related to dating and sexuality in comparison to straight or gay parents. Although existing research suggests that gay and lesbian parents also report high levels of open-mindedness and preparedness, most of the parents in this study insisted that being bisexual or pansexual gave them unique advantages as parents.

Author

• Rowan Haus, University of California-Davis