Analysis Paper 3: Feminism and the Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook

Feminist ideals exist throughout The Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook, particularly those associated with both second-wave and third-wave feminism. As Krolokke and Sorensen explain, second-wave feminism focused on the concept of difference. Similarly, Martin celebrates difference throughout her book, stating, “We have learned to make our differentness our strength.” (p. 6) For example, Martin asserts that “the children of lesbians and gay men are the most considered and planned-for children on earth” (p. 15).

Krolokke and Sorensen mention that second-wave feminism critiqued Western universalism’s “hierarchical ordering, in which one element is not only different from but also less than the other” (p. 14). This critique is reflected in Martin’s book, where she quotes one son of lesbian parents as saying, “I think growing up with lesbian parents taught me about how people can be different. And being different is just different, it isn’t better or worse” (p. 26).

As a book that advocates for equal family rights for gay and lesbian couples, The Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook engages in what Krolokke and Sorensen call “identity politics” (p. 12). Krolokke and Sorensen indicate a potential weakness of identity politics, however: “Gay rights activists, for example, paradoxically perpetuate the notion of heterosexuality as the norm when they attempt to secure more rights for homosexuals” (p. 14).

By bringing attention to the marginalized homosexual population, the Handbook also reflects values associated with third-wave feminism. Krolokke and Sorensen mention queer theory and politics, which “create a platform for what has now split into the lesbian, gay, bi-, and transsexual and transgender movements. Queer and transgender feminists attack what they see as the crux of the problem: heteronormativity. They call for recognition of queers” (p. 19). The Handbook advocates for such recognition–for example, Martin explains that “if we [gay and lesbian parents] don’t come out to them [doctors], we will have to deal with the consequences of invisibility” (p. 61).

Some other quotes from the book that reflect or discuss feminist ideals include the following:

“In general, most of those opposed to surrogacy are political conservatives who see it as a violation of traditional family proscriptions, whereby sex and reproduction are always supposed to occur together within the confines of marriage. Yet feminists have been divided on the surrogacy issue, with some feminists siding with conservatives to condemn surrogacy as harmful to women.” – pp. 105-106

“Carmel Shalev, a feminist lawyer, feels that a woman should absolutely be allowed to enter into surrogacy contracts for payment, and should be required to honor those contracts. Not to do so, she argues, would be to continue the patriarchal ‘protectiveness’ of women that has kept them and their reproductive capacities under male domination for centuries.” – p. 107

“An ongoing dialogue about diversity in our families enables our children to learn a wonderful perspective on human relations and society with the same ease and familiarity with which they learn to speak and read.” – p. 182

2 thoughts on “Analysis Paper 3: Feminism and the Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook”

  1. Adam, you have the ability to make extremely strong connections between the book you are reading and the required articles in class. The links between second-wave and third-wave feminism may come off as clearly noticeable, but you do a great job expanding the association and really giving an in-depth explanation as to how they are related.
    Great use of quotes, pulled from the both the book and the articles. I find this topic of lesbian and gay parenting to be quite fascinating. As women have fought for their freedom and rights in the past and continue to do so, the lesbian and gay communities have joined this fight.
    I really like how you make the connection with Queer Theory. I think you have a great foundation to produce a successfully written paper.

  2. Good analysis. I wonder if they try to break away from gender hierarchy or if they just celebrate difference and identity. If the latter, would it fit more into the Third Wave more than the Second Wave?

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