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Talking About Family

Disclosure Practices of Adults Raised by Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Parents

Clark University, Worcester, MA

Although a growing literature exists on children of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) parents, little is known about these children's experiences as adults. Of interest is how these individuals negotiate disclosure of their parents' sexual orientation. This qualitative study of 42 adults raised by LGB parents explores this issue. Participants grew up in a diverse range of contexts: Some were always aware of their family's nontraditional status, some were told in childhood, and others were never explicitly told. As adults, participants described a number of reasons for coming out about their family, including a desire to educate, a desire to "screen out" homophobic individuals, and a need for openness in their relationships. Several participants did not disclose about their families at all, and several told only when necessary. Findings are discussed in terms of the diversity inherent among adult children of LGB parents and implications for practice, policy, and research.

Key Words: gay parents • disclosure • children • family • queer

Journal of Family Issues, Vol. 28, No. 1, 100-131 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0192513X06293606


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