[The meaning of family for homosexual couples]. / O significado de família para casais homossexuais.

This study aimed at understanding the structure and the dynamics of the family of couples constituted by people of the same sex, approaching the basis of its experience. The phenomenological approach was used with interviews. From analysis of the testimonies added to our experiences and readings resulted in two thematic categories: "the meaning of the family, constituted by homosexuals" and "perceiving the impact and the value of the family". Based on the phenomenon understanding, new perspectives are glimpsed, therefore, when somebody you decide to compose a different family of that proposal for the traditional model, he/she also will be creating a new condition, or either, a new type of family. In nursing care it is necessary to be aware for new care needs in order that the different types of family can be attended with the same ethics and respect and also considering the privacy guarantee.