Non-biological Gay Fathers’ Journeys with Fatherhood

Background and aims: Legal, medical and social developments have enabled gay men to pursue surrogacy as a path to parenthood (Goldberg, 2020). However, heteronormative family ideals continually influence their surrogacy journeys to fatherhood and legitimacy as parents and family (Berkowitz & Marsiglio, 2007). Non-biological gay fathers that create a family using surrogacy and whose partners are the biological parents are vulnerable to having their parental and family status undermined because of the lack of biological connection with their children (Goldberg & Allen, 2022). To date, no published articles have investigated nonbiological gay father’s surrogacy journeys to fatherhood within the United Kingdom (UK) which informed the project’s aim and focus. Methodology: A qualitative approach was used. A purposive sample of eight, partnered, selfidentified non-biological gay fathers with children aged up to 18 months participated in one semi-structured interview. An interview schedule helped elicit narratives and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and a narrative approach analysed the content, structure and performance of stories. Analysis and findings: Global impressions of individual narratives and influence of the interview context were presented. Collective storylines followed and compared similarities and differences across narratives in relation to identity work, emotional experiences and broader societal narratives. It emerged (i) considering fatherhood occurred early on and was mediated by the understanding and negotiation of sexual orientation with others and impacted the pursuit of fatherhood and family building, (ii) heteronormative families ideals explained worries about their non-biological gay father status and decisions to secure positions as parents (iii) parenting experiences contributed to a positive identity for non-biological gay fathers, their family unit and extended family, (iv) Heteronormative ideas and internal desires narrated aspirations to be the best parents (v) First-time fatherhood and gay parenting was narrated as emotionally overwhelming and challenging. Methodological strengths and limitations and implications are discussed.