Having a child as a lesbian Jamaican woman in Jamaica present a lot of difficulties. The greatest challenge for lesbian-parented families surround the issue of discrimination and prejudice – most of which is based on experiences prior to homophobia and non-acceptance. Being a Jamaican lesbian raises the issue of having a child/children who may succumb to being victims of bullying and the fear of them being faced with discrimination as innocent children.
Many lesbians do not only feel a sense of rejection or inferiority by society but also in their relationship. There are many challenges identified for non-biological parents: feeling out of place, being ignored and rendered invisible by health service providers, not being identified as a “real parent”, and not having the legal or social responsibility that reflects having a parenting role in a child’s life.
On the contrary, benefits for children grouping with in LBT families have been repeatedly emphasized. According to Patterns 1992, Allen 1997, participants emphasized the benefits of children growing up in LBT families. They are being subjected to and taught to experience acceptance and diversity. Children and parents are described as appreciative, valuing and being understanding of diversity and broad minded as it relates to differences.
Being a LBT parent should be more than just the perception of society. It should be seen as not a sin but people who actually want to see a child being loved and taken care of, being supported socially, emotionally and physically. “The family is seen as the cornerstone of the society” and so helps to shape every individual into who they are, and if a family is doing all that it takes to shape a child positively to venture into the world, then they shouldn’t be discriminated against, despite their sexual orientation as a partnership.
The Purple Ribbon 