| This qualitative study explored barriers, supports, and strategies utilized in the process of becoming parents for lesbian couples, including the effects of homophobia and heterosexism on agency policy and access to services. The 13 couples interviewed for the study used insemination, adoption or a combination of both to become parents in the context of their current relationships. Analysis of the stories of these lesbian couples from a social constructionist/feminist framework provided valuable insight into the process of becoming parents in a large metropolitan area in the Midwest. Important themes emerged from the data in five areas: (a) lesbian parenthood, (b) disclosure/"outness" through the process; (c) the power of policy, (d) importance of context, and, (e) the value of role models and supportive allies. The findings of this study highlight the importance of social work advocacy in facilitating lesbian couples accessing the services necessary to become parents. |
