From the families we choose to the families we find online: media technology and queer family making

Since the mid-2000s, a number of Western countries have witnessed an increase in children born into ‘alternative’ or ‘queer’ families. Parallel with this queer baby boom, online media technologies become intertwined most people’s intimate lives. While these two phenomena appeared simultaneously, their integration has seldom been explored. In attempt to fill gap, present article explores ways which contemporary reproduction is interwoven practices. Importantly, does not understand as technology that simply facilitates kinship; rather, it argues reproductive its own right. Drawing on empirical examples practices kinning, such shopping for donor sperm and locating ‘donor siblings’ via fora Facebook, analyses merging intersection kinship. These serve foundation exploration kinship development new theoretical framework reproduction. Empirically, are from single women’s (i.e. solo mothers) lesbian couples’ family making. Using Weston's work ‘chosen families’ backdrop discussion, describes families choice light connections. particular, focuses online-initiated connections between siblings how can re-inscribe biology important Furthermore, closely examines guides particular directions causes becoming family.