Building Our Families: Navigating Barriers in 2SLGBTQ+ Family Building Through Doula Supports

Queer and transgender individuals often encounter barriers when attempting to build their families, Beginning by identifying barriers that 2SLGBTQ+ people face in their fertility and reproductive journeys -- including limited access to information, inadequate diversity in donor gametes, and minority...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Laine Halpern Zisman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of East Anglia 2024-09-01
Series:New Area Studies
Online Access:https://account.newareastudies.com/index.php/up-j-nas/article/view/67
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Summary:Queer and transgender individuals often encounter barriers when attempting to build their families, Beginning by identifying barriers that 2SLGBTQ+ people face in their fertility and reproductive journeys -- including limited access to information, inadequate diversity in donor gametes, and minority stress -- this article looks to the role of doulas in mitigating challenges by providing critical and tailored support, educational resources, and support and advocacy in navigating medical systems. Using a reproductive justice and intersectional framework, the article highlights the need for inclusive care practices that address the historical and ongoing exclusion of marginalized 2SLGBTQ+ communities. It underscores the importance of improved training for healthcare providers and systemic changes to ensure equitable family-building experiences for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. By integrating community supports and peer advocacy, the article proposes strategies to enhance both the physical and mental health outcomes of 2SLGBTQ+ intended parents and their families. It calls for a comprehensive approach that combines professional training, systemic reform, and community-based initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for family-building among 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
ISSN:2633-3716