Gay men's parenthood choices (GMPC) 2015: An exploratory study - Gauteng and Western Cape

Description:
The data set consists of 21 transcribed interviews in which 24 gay men were interviewed. 18 of the interviews were one-on-one interviews whilst couples were interviewed in 3 interviews.
Abstract:
The focus of this research project is on planned same-gendered families and centres on the parenthood decisions (i.e., the choice of whether or not to be a father and associated decisions) of gay or bisexual identified men. This research focus is underpinned by the principle of reproductive justice. It is motivated by the marginal position that these men occupy both socially and in research on fatherhood and reproductive decision-making, especially in a South African context. More information is needed on gay and bisexual men in this regard, in order to advocate for their sexual and reproductive needs as well as to address the discrimination that they often face in relation to their pathways to parenthood.

As a result of this overarching objective, the proposed study is exploratory in nature and, using qualitative methods, is intended to provide rich, detailed information that can inform future research. It is also aimed at informing advocacy and intervention.

The researchers will seek to:

Explore gay/bisexual men's thoughts, feelings and perspectives toward fatherhood. How do these men think and feel about having children? What does 'family' mean to them?

Understand gay/bisexual men's fatherhood decisions. How do these men go about deciding to become parents or not?

Locate decision-making within the broader South African environment and investigate how this impacts upon the men in the study. What are their experiences in relation to their paths toward non/parenthood?

Mobilise the knowledge generated for awareness raising, interventions, advocacy and community engagement.