Motherhood can be a complex journey, especially for single lesbians. For many, the process of conceiving often requires grappling with the topic of sperm—something that’s generally not on the radar for most women.
Jessica Lee, a passionate advocate for single motherhood, shares her experience in the compelling series “MotherStruck.” Based on her own life and originally a one-woman play, the show sheds light on the often overlooked paths to motherhood. It will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 25 and 30.
Lee recounts her quest for sperm, a process typically intertwined with romance, but for her, it was a completely different scenario. “It’s amusing to think about,” she says, describing a hilarious scene where she approaches a “sperm buffet” at a social gathering of gay men. Surprisingly, she finds a willing participant, but the journey to becoming pregnant was far from simple.
With health challenges like fibroids and the emotional turmoil of a breakup during IVF treatment, Lee faced numerous obstacles. Furthermore, societal pressures and personal relationships complicated her choice. One character in the series, played by comedian Tasha Brooks, provides comic relief while addressing the skepticism Lee encountered: “With all the chaos in the world, why would you want to raise a child solo?”
Despite these challenges, Lee stood firm in her decision. “I wanted to show that there’s no right or wrong way to become a mother,” she states. As she reflects on her experiences, co-star Maya Rivera emphasizes the importance of visualization and feeling centered to navigate this process effectively, especially when selecting a donor with “a good aura.”
Now a proud mother to her 7-year-old daughter, Lee describes her life as “full, ridiculous, beautiful, and challenging”—a fitting description of motherhood. While each journey is as unique as the individual, there is still a notable lack of representation of lesbian and single mothers in media. “MotherStruck” serves as a poignant reminder that there is no singular path to motherhood, encouraging women to support one another’s diverse journeys, even amidst uncertainty.
The series features Jessica Lee, Maya Rivera, Tasha Brooks, and Lila White, and is co-written with Micaela Birmingham, who also directs. Don’t miss “MotherStruck” at the Tribeca Film Festival. For those interested in exploring home insemination options, check out this home insemination kit or consult experts at Fertility Treatment Care for guidance. For more information on IVF, visit Johns Hopkins.
In summary, “MotherStruck” captures the diverse experiences of single motherhood, challenging traditional narratives and showcasing the strength of women forging their own paths to parenthood.