An investigation of the life experiences and attitudes of homosexual women with only-child status reveals that their emotional and social development is less favorable than that of homosexual women who had siblings. Only-child status is an important variable in understanding child development. (Author/CS)

Analyzes a family systems' model that organizes and integrates the sparse knowledge about the experience of heterosexual family members in gays' and lesbians' families-of-origins. Delineates impact on family system of learning that a child or sibling is gay or lesbian, and provides implications for family life education and other activities. (RJM)

Reviews research regarding the sexual identity, personal development, and social relationships of children of gay and lesbian parents. To date, there is no evidence that the development of children of gay and lesbian parents is compromised relative to the development of children of heterosexual parents. (BC)