In answer to your first question, the expression I would use is homosexual couples, or perhaps gay couples. Second sentence--For a better understanding...a brief history is given concerning the evolution of family patterns, and the changes that have recently happened in the Brazilian family are discussed. The next chapter provides a study of historical prejudice against homosexuality, and suggests that the equality principle is prevailing internationally. It also suggests that equal treatment for homosexuals is becoming part of the Brazilian justice system, and that this change has affected the adoption problem where the requirement is to assure an adolescent's rights. In the final chapter the core idea of the monograph is reached, adoption by gay couples. First it addresses the central problem of these adoptions, that one of the partners has to be chosen as the parent for the formal petition. In practice, however, both parents together raise this child. It becomes evident...doesn't find the proper judicial solution that preserves the best interests of the child. Also, the monograph discusses the possibility of gay couples adopting jointly, adds studies about the psychological viability of couple's adoptions, and gives an account......by them.