To start a family, most lesbian, bisexual and pansexual (LBP) women and queer, trans and non-binary (QTNB) people need genetic material from a third party. However, medically assisted reproduction services are often poorly adapted to their needs, as they are generally designed for heterosexual couples and people who have not transitioned. At the same time, many LBP women and QTNB people turn to socio-numerical networks (e.g. Facebook groups) to seek a sperm donation and attempt to start a family outside medical frameworks.
Using an intersectional perspective, this project aimed to document the experiences of LBP women and QTNB people in accessing medically assisted reproduction services or seeking a sperm donation online through social media. It helped develop tools (videos, fact sheets, guidelines) to improve services for these populations and better support the individuals involved.
Funded by the Secrétariat à la condition féminine, this project was carried out by principal investigator Isabel Côté (UQO) with co-researchers Kévin Lavoie (Ulaval), Mona Greenbaum (Coalition des familles LGBT+), Marianne Chbat (Clinique Mauve) and Claudia Fournier (UQO), in partnership with individuals who have first-hand knowledge and experiences of QTNB parenthood through assisted reproduction.
