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Gay Adoption:
Is it the answer?
Jesus Machado
University of Texas at El Paso














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For the past decade gay parenting has been involved in a lot of controversy. Everyone has a
different point of view. Many argue that it is beneficial for children who are looking for a place
which they can finally call home, while others disagree completely. People who disagree
usually tend to argue that because a child is raised by homosexual parents, the children will
eventually become gay as well. Although, people may have their differences, this has not
stopped the inertia of homosexual adoption. Some states are allowing homosexual marriages and
legalizing adoption. Homosexual adoption and parenting is now seen in different genres. For
example, in images, articles, websites, billboards etc. The fact that homosexual parenting and
adoption is now being featured in genres such as articles, pictures among others means that it is
easier for the audience to know more about it. This eventually is leading to a great portion of the
audience to believe that homosexual marriages and adoption should be legalized.
Different genres are meant to target different types of audiences. For example, billboards are
meant for an audience to see briefly. They are usually located by highways where cars can see
them as they drive by. Although, this may be good, there are disadvantages as well, such as a
limited amount of space for words, or the limited amount of time people will have to read it. In
this essay I will focus on pictures and articles. Pictures may send a strong message to the
audience, yet they only show one side of the story. Using genres such as pictures is a good idea
because the editor chooses what to use and what to leave out. Editors can also play around
with the image to make it look just like they want. Therefore, the main purpose of an image is to
appeal to the audiences emotion. This is because even though people dont know all the detail of
a situation, they still feel emotions towards it.
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The next genre is articles. Articles can be found in many different places. For example they
can be found in newspapers, books, research papers and online databases. The internet has made
any type of articles easier to obtain no matter how old it is. Articles have a very broad purpose
including persuasive, informative or entertaining purposes. The audience ranges between ages.
There are articles for children, youth and adults. For gay adoption and marriage, the audience
would be leaning towards adults and youth. Primarily for parents and religious members who
will agree or disagree on the controversy. There is a difference between images and articles.
Articles contain more data and information as to images that only show one perspective. Articles
also give much more detail and usually gives an explanation of whatever is being discussed. On
the other hand, images usually have to analyzed and interpreted by the audience. These two
genres attract different types of audiences, because some people are attracted by visuals while
others are more interested into reading.
For example, Pictured here are
Rob, Russell and Ben. Ben was adopted in February of 2009. A house can be seen in the
background, which is intended to make the audience have the feeling that their family lives
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peacefully. The three of them are smiling which reflects happiness. The picture also illustrates
how they are clothed in a similar way, which could symbolize that they are in unity together.
This image adds to the argument by trying to persuade the audience into believing that
homosexual families are no different than heterosexual families. In the article What about the
children? arguments against lesbian and gay parenting. the author attempts to appeal to the
emotions of the audience by stating that Children in lesbian and gay families get bullied. The
audience, specially parents, will experience the emotion of feeling sorry for those children who
get bullied. There is a difference because the majority of people feel more emotions through
something they see rather than something they read. Ethos is the appeal to credibility of the
author. It is really hard to show credibility in a picture because it is complicated to show proof if
the audience is not present. Anyone can edit a picture to make it look nice. While, on an article,
the author can give credibility by offering his references. Logos can be really powerful when
giving a message if it is used properly. Logos is the appeal to logic. In the article What about
the children? Arguments against lesbian and gay parenting the author Victoria Clarke appeals to
logos by stating that Children in lesbian and gay families grow up lesbian and gay. This is an
example of logos because it is logical to think that way. As compared to logos in an image where
it is more complicated to show logic. Logic in a picture has to illustrate something obvious in
order to fit into the category of logos.
An image can be delivered easier than an article. Images can be seen everywhere, and anyone
can understand the structure of it. Compared to an article where language and clarity are barriers
to good delivery. Another difference is that articles have a better structure. Most articles will
contain an abstract, body, conclusion, topic sentences, and reference section. As to an image
where a structure is limited by the size of the image.
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In conclusion, images and articles have more differences than similarities. Images have the
advantage of making the audience feel more emotions yet the credibility and logic is limited.
Articles have the advantage of giving more details and being able to give more credibility and
logic. Both of these genres are really accessible now a day. As it was stated previously, for some
people images are more attractive than articles or vice versa. When both articles and images are
used properly they can give the audience a powerful message.












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References
Dawn, S., Pliner , & Michael, Coldberg (2013). Gay & Lesbian Adoption FAQ. Retrieved from
http://www.friendsinadoption.org/adopting-with-friends-in-
adoption/index_gay_and_lesbian_adoption.php


Clarke, V. (2001). WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN? ARGUMENTS AGAINST LESBIAN
AND GAY PARENTING. Women's Studies International Forum,
24(5), 555.