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Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of members of lesbian-parented families incorporating a systemic perspective to include both the voices of mothers and their young children. Eight whole-family interviews were conducted with lesbian couples with at least one child in elementary school (aged 5–11). Six themes emerged from the study: intentionality in finding places to live and travel, having children, and having discussions with their children; views of themselves as advocates and being “out” in their communities; noticing how times are changing; identifying assumptions as a two-way street; perceptions of gender surrounding parenting and the salience of various identities; and the dialectical tension between wanting to be perceived as normal and wanting to acknowledge their uniqueness. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Keywords

qualitative lesbians families children gay and lesbian issues parenting

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All Families Are Special: Experiences of Lesbian-Parented Families

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