Gay Fathers' Negotiation of Gender Role Strain: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

Gay fathers pose an ideological conundrum. Products of a dominant culture that deems “gay” and “father” as incompatible, they are subject to gender role strain. This phenomenological qualitative study explored 12 gay fathers’ perceptions of their gender roles around parenting. Participants discussed their decision to become parents, discipline and parenting roles, perceived views of others about their choice, and their fears and joys about raising children. Results indicated that gay fathers respond to gender role strain in ways that both contest and utilize traditional gender role expectations.