UC Berkeley

Gay fathers are creating family forms and parenting practices that reach beyond the nuclear family model. Analysis suggests that fathers in this study are developing unique and queer versions of kinship. Fathers' desire for emotional connection leads to the creative assemblage of paid caregivers, friends, children's non-legal biological kin, and gay men's families of origin into kinship networks. These creative mixtures may be perceived as unusual family formations, but they assist gay fathers in creating social support and connected lives for themselves and their children. These findings are based on a qualitative research project that consisted of interviews with 15 gay fathers who resided in 8 households and who were raising 13 children. The participants were all self-identified gay men who had formed planned families outside of heterosexual relationships. Research aims included: To explore the lived experience of gay men raising children; To explore how gay fathers adapt concepts of kinship; To describe the role of social support in the lives of gay fathers; To present emergent and unanticipated topics.

Data-collection methods included development of a genogram that described each family and their social support networks. In-depth interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide were then conducted with participants. Data analysis techniques were based within a grounded theory framework. Analysis resulted in development of 47 repeating ideas, which were then organized into nine themes: 1) Methods of family formation and Desire to parent; 2) Challenges of parenting; 3) Rewards of parenting; 4) Kinship is about connection; 5) Biology is less and more important than I thought; 6) Importance of non-kin social supports; 7) Changes in sense of connection to the gay community; 8) I always knew I would be a dad; and 9) Experiences with social welfare institutions. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice are included.