This week, the William Institute at the UCLA School of Law released
a new research study regarding the estimated 50,000 same-sex
couples living in the Lone Star State. Of the 50,000 couples, 20%
are raising some 17,444 children.
a new research study regarding the estimated 50,000 same-sex
couples living in the Lone Star State. Of the 50,000 couples, 20%
are raising some 17,444 children.
Interestingly, the study demonstrated that same-sex couples raising
children had “fewer economic resources and own homes at a
significantly lower rate than heterosexual, married parents.”
Reading between the lines, I suspect this financial discrepancy
could be accounted for by the economic benefits of legal marriage
and the effects of workplace discrimination.
Here are a few key findings:
- While 50% of same-sex couples with children own their home, a
significantly larger percentage of married parents (73%) own their
home. - There are an estimated 579,968 gay, lesbian, and bisexual
people (single and coupled) currently living in Texas. - In 2000, there were 42,912 same-sex couples living in Texas. By
2005, the number of same-sex couples increased to 49,423. - Despite the military’s historic policies of excluding gay men
and lesbians from service, individuals in same-sex couples have
served in the military: 10% of individuals in same-sex couples are
veterans, compared to 15% of married individuals.
So, though some 10,000 same-sex couples are raising children in
Texas, I’d love to see some research on single LGBTQ parents
raising children.
If you’d like to check out the study for yourself, click
here.