International adoptive lesbian families: Parental perceptions of the influence of diversity on family relationships in early childhood

This article explores, parental perceptions of living with the multiple identities of being adoptive, transracial, transcultural or multicultural, lesbian families. Analysis is based on qualitative interviews (N=30) with 15 lesbian couples that created multicultural families through the adoption of children born outside the U.S. Interviews focused on the relationships in the early years of adoptive family life. Findings suggested that families face both challenges and opportunities because of their multicultural status. Parental perceptions of racism, homophobia, and heterosexism are discussed, as well as the influence of complex diversity on relationships within and outside the family unit.