Study: Half of Teens With Gay Moms Bullied

A new study of teens who grew up in lesbian-headed households found that 50% experience stigma, but many have been able to cope with the bullying.

The study — authored by the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles and the Research Institute of Child Development and Education at the University of Amsterdam — queried 78 adolescents. While it may not be surprising that teasing and bullying is pervasive among those with lesbian parents, it was enlightening to see that nearly two thirds found effective coping skills.

“Most teenagers tried to comfort themselves while others confronted the perpetrators to make it clear that teasing and ridicule were unacceptable,” according to a press release. “Some choose to be with friends who were supportive of their family situation, or looked for social support by telling others what happened.”

Other kids said they chose to remain oblique about their family situation, using the term “parents” instead of “moms.” Click here for more details on the study.