Responses to the question: Do you want children?

Interesting responses here in last week’s Reproduction Poll. A plurality want children, a large percentage definitely don’t, and maybe one-third aren’t sure. There’s an interesting contradiction here in the replies, though. While the largest percentage of people want to have kids that are a genetic combination of the DNA of themselves and their significant others, passing on their DNA is the least likely reason for wanting to have children. Perhaps people are concerned that they can only truly love their own biological child, but maybe they think their own DNA isn’t necessarily special enough to be passed on to a new generation.

When I sliced the data a little deeper, I found no correlation between gender identity and a desire to have children. Both male- and female-identified respondents wanted or didn’t want children, and the two respondents identifying with non-binary genders were split 50/50 on the desire to have children.

Thanks for participating, and please check out this week’s environmental survey, the TNG Litter Poll.

Do you want or have children?
	Yes 12 40% No 8 27% Maybe 6 20% Undecided 2 7% Other 2 7% People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

In your ideal world, where would your children come from?
	The genetic combination of my DNA with my partner’s 11 37% The DNA of someone else combined with either that of me or my partner 2 7% An international adoption agency. 5 17% A national or local adoption agency. 7 23% An open adoption 2 7% Other 3 10% People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

What are your reasons for wanting children?
	Pass on my DNA 4 13% Pass on my knowledge and experience 10 33% Raise queer-friendly straight people 7 23% Experience the joys of raising another human being 18 60% To share love with another being 22 73% Other 1 3% People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

What is your gender identity?
	Female 8 27% Male 20 67% MTF 0 0% FTM 1 3% Genderqueer 1 3% Other 0 0% People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

What is your orientation?
	Gay 19 63% Lesbian 5 17% Queer 5 17% Straight 0 0% Bisexual 1 3% Other 0 0% People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.