Parental Role Construction Among LGBTQ Parents in the Post-Equality Era

Abstract

The legalization of same-sex marriage changed the parenting landscape for LGBTQ parents in a variety of ways. Parenthood is presumably different now that same-sex marriage is officially legal. Experiences among LGBTQ couples in the post-legalization of same-sex marriage era raise questions about the context of growing recognition and cultural acceptance of same-sex relationships. I conducted in-depth interviews with LGBTQ parents to learn how they navigate parenting and the construction of parenting roles in the context of a society that has legalized same-sex marriage, yet still is rooted in heteronormative notions of family and parenthood. Specifically, I ask: How do LGBTQ couples construct and make sense of their roles as parents, particularly within the contemporary context of the legalization of same-sex marriage? Understanding the contexts that shape LGBTQ parents’ experiences aids in not only understanding the lives of LGBTQ parents and their families better, but also developing a deeper understanding of contemporary parenting identities and experiences more broadly.

Citation

James, A.J. (2023), "Parental Role Construction Among LGBTQ Parents in the Post-Equality Era", Blair, S.L. and Zhang, Y. (Ed.) Cohabitation and the Evolving Nature of Intimate and Family Relationships (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 24), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 105-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-35352023005