The homoparental family in the voices of gay fathers, lesbian mothers and their children

Abstract

Considering the sociocultural and political aspects in the course of development of the family entity throughout time, new family arrangements have originated which are comprised of homosexual couples and their children. Acceptance and the likely legal recognition of homoparental families are pressing issues at present. Studies conducted in Brazil have shown that such families are faced with discrimination and challenges in a multitude of social contexts. In this scenario and in view of the need for research into homoparental families, it is key to understand how homosexual couples and their children perceive, represent and share their experiences as families, both privately and socially. This study aims at promoting a better understanding of the experiences of five homoparental families, in the voices of both female and male homosexual couples, and their children. The tools for collecting data with the couples will be: Participant Identification Forms, the Economic Rating Scale, a Phenomenological Interview, a Genogram, a Social Network Map; whereas the following items will be used with the children: a Phenomenological Interview and, if necessary, additional resources that may facilitate approaching them. The interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed in coordination with other data in a Phenomenological framework: description, reduction and interpretation. The findings should promote an enhanced comprehension of the phenomenon and subsidize the planning of strategies to assist homoparental families in the search for recognition and respect in society. The dissemination of studies in this field may foster new reflections and change prejudicial and discriminatory attitudes against the development and plurality of family organizations nowadays.