Agency and Access: How Gay Fathers Secure Health Insurance for Their Families

ABSTRACT

Existing research on gay fatherhood has emphasized relationship dynamics within their families but there are gaps in the literature regarding the practicalities and intricacies of providing health insurance for their families. Using symbolic interactionism, life course theory, and grounded theory methodology, this qualitative study investigated gay fathers' health insurance experiences. Ten White, gay fathers across the United States responded to questions about their access to and process of providing insurance for their families. This study extends the literature on gay father families by (a) examining decisions around health insurance, (b) identifying obstacles and solutions to health insurance problems, and (c) examining the role of privilege and disadvantage in access to health care. Implications include theoretical contributions to intersectionality and agency and insights into health, marriage, and financial inequalities that continue in the United States.

KEYWORDS:

• Gay fathers
• gay father families
• health insurance
• intersectionality
• qualitative research