Kids with a gay mother or father could face homophobia

Although coming out is often difficult for adults, it can also be hard for children of homosexual parents to admit that their mom or dad is gay.

Canada’s Leader Post newspaper spoke to the two adopted children of a lesbian couple, Robin, 12 and Brandin, ten, who said that although they felt "lucky" to have two moms, they were unwilling to tell their friends because of how they may they might react.

Katherine Arnup, a Carleton University professor who has written extensively on gay parenting, told the newspaper that that serious of homophobia in the playground can depend on age and location.

Kids in urban areas tend to be more open and accepting, she said, while those aged 12 to 15 are the most likely to tease children with gay parents.

"I believe most people change their attitudes by knowing people, so the more open gay couples are, the more that change will happen," she advised.

Some children also feel that there is a lack of support available to them. The Post spoke to Katie Collins, who was 13 when she found out her father was gay and said: "You want to advocate for it [gay rights] to support your family, but you try to find your space in the movement and there isn’t anything."

Most experts recommend that parents teach their children about the different types of relationships adults form, including homosexual ones, in a clear and frank way, the Calgary Herald reports.