Man not used to be : parenting challenges

Abstract

Gay fathers are the same as heterosexual fathers in terms of their emotional and parental relationship with their children. However, gay fathers often face negative stereotypes based on their sexual orientation and disparaging beliefs about their parenting capabilities, which can create parental stresses that affect their lives. Thus, this phenomenological study aims to discover the experiences and coping of gay fathers as they respond to their family needs while living in a world where heterosexual parenting is a norm. The study was composed of 9 gay fathers as participants gathered using purposive sampling. The study's findings show that gay fathers’ parenting was challenged by discrimination, child bullying, dealing with sickness in the family, overcoming financial issues, and their problems within. Despite this, gay fathers cop with the challenges by having a source of income, possessing a positive mentality, and tapping support systems. With that, the study provided an understanding of gay fathers' capability when establishing a family, parenting difficulties, and the need for truth in the family. Based on the result, social workers will learn the difficulties, experiences, and plight of gay fathers in rearing their children. Social Workers may support gay fathers in pursuing their parental duties and responsibilities by initiating significant steps or measures that ensure the security of gay fathers and their children in society, especially in bullying and discrimination.