Becoming fathers : family formation by gay men in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Abstract

This study investigated the phenomena of gay men becoming fathers in Hong Kong and Taiwan, focusing on their personal experiences as they sought to realize the viability of their own procreative desires. Gay male parented families challenge the heteronormative and patriarchal ideal imbedded of family prevalent in the culture of Hong Kong and Taiwan. By investigating their experiences, through an intersectional lens this study sought to identify constructed systems of oppression and privilege facilitating or hindering the ability of other gay men to achieve their procreative goals of fatherhood. The achievement of gay men becoming fathers outside of heterosexual relationships is an act of political disruption. Using critical inquiry, practically guided by grounded theory, this study sought to understand the lived experiences of gay men in Hong Kong and Taiwan as they proactively move to become fathers. Grounded theory as detailed by Corbin and Strauss (2014) used in this study is an inductive process and seeks to develop a general theory through the analysis of a unique and specific social phenomenon. The goal was not statistical generalizability, nor being able to describe a broad population, but analytic generalizability of a unique situation or phenomenon. In this case the grounded theory developed from this study centers on the interplay of paternal relationships, cultural values, and the negotiation of obligations and role fulfillment. A theory addressing the dissonance caused by their choosing to not hide their homosexuality, and then repaired by their becoming a father. The broader aim of this study is to advocate for the right of all people to equitably participate in family formation systems, while understanding structures which potentially hinder such involvement. Understanding locations of increased oppression allows for the development of an advocacy agenda, and the creation of supportive services to champion gay men and other sexual minorities who seek family formation by non-traditional means. The results illustrate a considerable interplay between the social, political and cultural systems which create formidable power systems of prejudice and oppression. Systems which have shown can be minimized or negated with personal privilege. The influence of family and culture on the development of a procreative identity can be partially explained through the cultural concepts of filial obligation and face. The study results confirm a reconciled gay-father identity is possible and acceptable. This identity is not an attempt to ‘pass’ or be excepted as a sub-category of the heterosexual male identity, but one that exists in tandem with other accepted and celebrated male identities. The family formation actions of the gay fathers included in this study change the normative view of the institution of the family; however, this action is not assimilationist in nature. The political act of family formation by gay man seeks to define a new family, one that is normal and acceptable, and not a diminished version of an existing family definition. This research study was reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the University of Hong Kong as detailed under HREC reference number EA1802088.