This newly launched series was inspired by the article series Is the Grass Always Greener on the Other Side? That long-running series brought us perspectives from lesbians all around the world. Now, we want to take a closer look at lesbian families.
In Hungary, we know it is difficult to start a family in the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex couples cannot adopt, and, as of February 2021, individuals can only adopt with the authorization of the Family Affairs Minister. At-home artificial insemination is possible, but is considered an illegal use of the human body. Also, the sperm donor can demand acknowledgement of paternity and visitation rights. For artificial insemination at healthcare facilities, it is possible for only married couples, different-sex cohabiting couples, infertile women and women who are expected to become infertile soon due to their age. This excludes lesbians in registered partnership or cohabitation and those who can naturally conceive. So, for many, the best option is to go abroad for artificial insemination and then bring the child back to Hungary. Even once you have a child, or children, it can be difficult for both parents to have equal rights (see qLit’s 2021 summary here).
But what is the situation like in other places?
Let’s be honest, having a child can be hard. We’ve never particularly wanted to have children, but always just assumed from watching TV or movies as a kid that it was a simple thing to do. I mean some people even have them by accident. Of course, as we grew older and our friends and family started wanting to have children, we found out it wasn’t always that easy. Even for non-LGBTQ+ couples, the process could take years, with natural and artificial methods. After coming out and spending much more time in the LGBTQ+ community, we saw how much thoughtful planning went into starting rainbow families. We have also seen how despite difficulties rainbow families flourish.
Through writing this article series, we hope to show how the LGBTQ+ community around the world makes their dreams of having children possible. In the upcoming article, we will focus on Norway.
