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Lesbian family disclosure: Authenticity and safety within private and public domains
journal contribution
posted on 2006-01-01, 00:00 authored by A Perlesz, Rhonda BrownRhonda Brown, R McNair, J Lindsay, M Pitts, D De VausDefinitions of family and disclosure of family configuration are important themes for understanding the experiences of contemporary lesbian-parented families. Drawing on multi-generational family interviews with 20 lesbian-parented families in Victoria, Australia, we explore how participants describe and present their families in public contexts. We found a marked difference in experience between lesbian-parented stepfamilies and lesbian-parented de novo families where children are conceived and raised by lesbian parents from birth. Family members adopted a variety of strategies when disclosing parents’ sexual orientation in mainstream social institutions such as health care settings and schools. Some chose a proud, open strategy; while others were more private; yet others chose a passive strategy, particularly when dealing with health care providers, and a selective strategy when dealing with schools. These strategies demonstrate
the fine balance that families must strike between being publicly authentic and creating safety by protecting themselves from negative attitudes.
the fine balance that families must strike between being publicly authentic and creating safety by protecting themselves from negative attitudes.
History
Journal
Lesbian & gay psychology reviewVolume
7Issue
1Pagination
54 - 65Publisher
The British Psychological SocietyLocation
Leicester, EnglandISSN
1467-2472Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2006, The British Psychological SocietyUsage metrics
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