It looks like Taiwan is set to be the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, Yahoo News reports. Taiwanese parliamentarians have started writing bills supporting marriage equality; one is already listed for review and could be passed just months from now.
President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female head-of-state, has expressed support for same-sex marriage. This echoes the sentiments of most young Taiwanese. According to Tseng Yen-jung, a spokesperson for Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy, around 80% of Taiwanese aged 20-29 support same-sex marriage.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A legalized marriage would allow partners in a same-sex marriage to make legal, medical, and educational decisions for each other. But it isn’t just these practical issue that are motivating advocates of these bills—some couples just want to be able to express their love and commitment to each other.
This isn’t the first time Taiwan has tried legalizing same-sex marriage. In 2013, efforts to pass same-sex marriage met strong opposition from conservative Christian groups, which successfully stopped the bills from making progress.
On the next page: tips for same-sex parents.
One of the biggest arguments against same-sex marriage is its impact on the institute of family. The studies on the effects of same-sex parenting are numerous yet conflicting. Some claim that same-sex parenting is harmful to children, while others say that it makes no difference.
Photo: Modern Family/ABC
Parenting tips for LGBT couples
So while the studies on the effects of same-sex parenting have been inconclusive, it is undeniable that children raised by LGBT couples face challenges like discrimination and bullying, reports Medical Daily. Here are some tips for LGBT parents from The Learning Community.
1. Foster open communication
Your child will soon catch on that your family is different from most others, but you can prepare them beforehand with LGBT-positive media (movies, TV shows, books, etc.). It’s best to answer your child’s questions in a patient and straightforward way—making sure that it’s appropriate for their age and maturity, of course. This will prepare your child to better handle questions and comments about their background.
2. Respect your child’s feelings
Children who grew up in same-sex households have had different reactions to their situation. Some reported feeling loved and happy, while others felt self-conscious of the uniqueness of their family. They have the right to their own feelings. No matter how much you disagree, respect them. Focus on teaching them how to express themselves politely and respectfully.
3. Connect with other LGBT parents
Never underestimate the power of a supportive social network. Connecting your child to other children of LGBT parents will let them feel like part of a community. This will do wonders for their self-confidence.
4. Connect with supportive heterosexual friends
Though it’s vital that you connect with other families like yours, your social ties to heterosexual friends are also important. By seeing how you interact with your heterosexual friends, your child will be able to observe how they love and accept you and your family, even though you are different.
5. Model tolerance and respect
If you want your child to grow up with a non-judgmental and prejudiced outlook, you have to set the example. Treat everyone with respect and be tolerant of people who have different opinions and outlooks.
READ: Kids of gay parents are healthy and happy just like other children, says study
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