Family Outings: Disclosure Practices Among Adopted Youth With Gay and Lesbian Parents

This study uses qualitative data from 14 interviews with multicultural youth aged 13 to 20 to explore how they negotiate disclosures of their adoptive status and gay and lesbian parent–headed family structure within their schools and friendship networks. Findings reveal a continuum of disclosure practices ranging from not telling anyone that they have gay or lesbian parents to more open disclosure, with several participants being forced to “come out” often about their families. Participants described receiving positive responses from others about their adoptive status, but they were often apprehensive about disclosing that their parents were gay or lesbian. Findings suggest that parental preparation for dealing with adoptism, racism, and heterosexism/homophobia can facilitate an easier disclosure process for youth regarding their multicultural identities and family structure. Implications for research, policy, and adoption practice are discussed.