Letter: Male role models

Sir: May I congratulate you for an excellent article on lesbian parents (Hunter Davies interview, 5 January). Rarely in these homophobic days in England do we find ourselves fairly represented by the mainstream media.

I have a small point to make to Daniel Shine (letter, 9 January). Research has shown that children of either sex respond and grow well emotionally, physically and socially in loving and supportive families with two parents. One of these parents does not have to be a man.

I would like to challenge the stereotype of the lesbian couple who have no positive male role models for children around. We have fathers, brothers, friends, colleagues - just like everybody else. The man does not have to be in the parenting role. The nuclear family - mum, dad, two children - is outdated and unrealistic.

Yours sincerely,

BERNADETTE REILLY

London, N16

9 January