ABSTRACT
This chapter presents empirical research on queer youth’s perspectives of having and raising a child. Three superordinate themes emerged, namely: motivations for parenthood; pathways to parenthood; and parenting or taking care of a child. Traversing these themes is the pervasive influence of heterosexism; that is, the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm and that heterosexual individuals are socially and culturally superior to queer individuals. Despite some apparent improvement in tolerance and acceptance in the official discourse, a significant proportion of the South African population remains negative towards queer persons. Furthermore, queer individuals in the middle- and upper-class have easier access to legal protections afforded to queer people and their families. Cultural beliefs not only shape community members’ attitudes towards queer individuals, but also impact on queer individuals’ own ideas and decision-making regarding parenthood and parenting.
