Family Responses to Disclosure of Self-as-Lesbian

Disclosure or nondisclosure of self-as-lesbian to family is a difficult task. Eleven lesbians aged 25-47 years old described their experiences of disclosure or nondisclosure to family. The primary source of data collection was focus groups. Family disclosure was preceded by recognition of self-as-lesbian. Five story patterns of lesbians and their families related to disclosure or nondisclosure were derived from text analysis. The participants also described missing sociocultural landmarks and symbols for lesbian lives. Implications are included for lesbians who are contemplating disclosure and their health care providers.