The aim of this study was to describe the phenomenon of sperm donation offered in informal settings and, more specifically, by contacts through the Internet. It documented the perceptions, experiences, and practices of a sample of Canadian donors and explored their motivations for becoming involved in the family projects of others. Eight semistructured interviews were conducted with men who had offered their sperm to couples or single women through one or more introduction websites. The results showed that the process leading to sperm donation outside fertility clinics is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the motives of those involved, logistics, and health concerns, as well as the possibility of having access to information on the genetic heritage of children conceived from these donations. The men applied different strategies to achieve their donations, engaging in a process of negotiation with the recipients, based on mutual trust and acceptance of the risks involved.

Cet article présente les résultats de recherche visant à mieux comprendre le point de vue et l’expérience d’hommes agissant à titre de donneurs de sperme dans la concrétisation de projets parentaux d’autrui. Notre démonstration s’appuie sur des données qualitatives tirées de deux corpus d’entrevues réalisées auprès d’hommes ayant offert leur sperme à des couples lesbiens, soit dans le cadre d’un rapport relationnel préexistant avec les femmes (n = 10), ou d’une entente établie à partir d’un contact sur Internet (n = 8). Les résultats plaident pour une conception plus nuancée de leur participation au projet parental d’autrui. Non seulement la conviction de poser un geste altruiste pour les couples lesbiens est perçue par ces hommes comme une source importante d’accomplissement, mais la méthode de procréation préconisée s’inscrit dans une démarche consensuelle et transparente, à la rencontre des besoins des personnes impliquées et de leurs motivations respectives.This article presents the findings of a study aimed at better understanding the perspective and experience of men who donate sperm to help others start a family. The article is based on qualitative data drawn from two collections of interviews of men who had donated sperm to lesbian couples, either as part of a pre-existing relationship with the women (n = 10) or as part of an agreement stemming from an initial contact over the Internet (n = 8). The findings suggest the need for a more nuanced conception of their participation in the family plans of others. Not only do these men view this altruistic gesture with a significant sense of accomplishment, but the chosen method of procreation is part of a consensual and transparent process that meets the needs of those involved and their respective motivations

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Depuis plus de 20 ans, le Groupe de recherche et d’intervention sociale (GRIS) de Montréal réalise des interventions de démystification de l’homosexualité et de la bisexualité dans des écoles de Montréal et des régions environnantes. Son 20e anniversaire est une occasion de procéder à un bilan et à une réflexion critique sur ses activités. Trois enjeux sont discutés dans cet article, soit le rôle du discours religieux dans la réception des interventions, l’importance de la déconstruction des rôles de genre dans la lutte contre l’homophobie, la lesbophobie et la biphobie, ainsi que le tabou entourant la sexualité.

This article presents results of a qualitative study of blended lesbian-headed families with children from previous same-sex relationships. Conducted in partnership with the LGBT Family Coalition, this study adopts an ecosystemic approach to document the experiences of parental separation and family blending of 17 (n = 17) lesbian mothers and stepmothers in the province of Quebec, Canada. The challenges these women face in these periods of transition, particularly in terms of postseparation co-parenting and family reorganization, are analysed with particular concern for the daily stresses of heterosexism and membership in a sexual minority. Various strategies used to overcome these challenges, the positive outcomes of creating blended families and the stepmother's place and role within the family are examined. A discussion of the support and intervention needs of these families concludes the paper.