Co-parenting with a gay man: Why straight women co-parent with gay men

An increasing number of straight women are having children outside of marriage. A growing proportion of these are doing this with gay men. In this article, Pink Families shares four of the reasons why some women are choosing this type of co-parenting arrangement. These reasons includes thinking about the child’s best interests, establishing a traditional family unit, financial reasons, and sharing the burdens and joy of parenting.

1. In the child’s best interests to have a second parent

Some women that co-parent with gay men believe that there are benefits from having a two-parent family. They believe that two parents can provide balance for their child. Some also believe that it is in the best interests of the child to have both a mother and a father. This explains why many straight women elect to co-parent with another man, even though co-parenting with another woman is entirely possible.

2. Establishing a traditional family unit with a gay man

The second reason why some women choose to co-parent with a gay man is because it allows them to establish a family unit that is similar to what they grew up with. That is, a family unit that involves both a mother and a father.