TORONTO STAR: "SAME-SEX HOUSEHOLDS 'COOL' FOR KIDS":

Sunshiney piece.

"Numbers of gay and lesbian families are hard to gauge. In the 2001 census, 2,900 same-sex couples reported having at least one child living at home, according to Statistics Canada. But that doesn't include single or non-custodial parents or those not willing to identify themselves as a same-sex couple.

"...'No research indicates any emotional, cognitive or mental health problems compared to children of heterosexual parents,' says Judith Stacey, sociology professor at New York University. Some studies indicate that they exhibit a greater respect for people's differences.

"...More than 12 years ago, André Chamberlain answered an ad in a gay newspaper looking for a potential sperm donor and co-parent. For him, being an anonymous donor held no appeal. 'I always wanted a child in my life, but being a full-time dad wasn't realistic,' says Chamberlain, 41, a lawyer.

"He met numerous times with Mariana Valverde, who would carry the baby, and her partner, Maggi Redmonds.

"'We both really wanted kids -- it was a pivotal issue in coming together,' explains Redmonds, 56, a health care administrator. If possible, they felt it preferable for the child to know his father.

"A son was born. ...

"The family grew five years ago when Redmonds adopted a girl, now 7. Chamberlain and the little girl bonded quickly.

"...He has the kids every second weekend, either one or two at a time, pitches in with child care and takes them both on holiday every summer. 'They're pretty much my anchor to the world,' he says."
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posted by maggie at 9:18 AM | link

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