ABSTRACT
Objective
This study investigates how cisgender lesbian and bisexual Brazilian women constructed and negotiated their path to dual motherhood with their partners, going from an initial desire for motherhood to a shared family project.
Background
Two-women couples are increasingly pursuing motherhood, either through assisted reproduction techniques or adoption. In these specific contexts, families led by two mothers engage in multiple planning and decision-making stages to enable their desire for motherhood, involving important negotiations within the couple.
Method
In-depth open interviews were conducted with 10 lesbian and bisexual Brazilian mothers, encouraging them to share their autobiographical memories spontaneously. Based on the analysis of the interview transcripts, two central themes emerged: “The construction of the desire to experience motherhood” and “From the desire for motherhood to negotiations with the partner.”
Results
The findings illustrate how participants articulated their maternal desire as a project of intentionality, navigating the barriers imposed both by hegemonic heteronormative mandates and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the study highlights the specificities of dual motherhood as a transformative experience that reclaims kinship imaginaries while simultaneously negotiating traditional social expectations.
Conclusion
This research contributes to understanding the antecedents and negotiations involved in realizing dual motherhood aspirations within the Brazilian context, where legal advances coexist with deep-seated social inequalities. By elucidating the interviewees’ unique narratives, this study seeks to enhance the visibility of their often-marginalized experiences, thereby contributing to a more inclusive comprehension of family planning.