Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities in Families: Psychological Perspectives. - Review - book review

Adolescence, Spring, 2000

PATTERSON, Charlotte J., & D'AIJGELLI, Anthony R. (Eds.). Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities in Families: Psychological Perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. 320pp. $60.00 (h), $29.95 (p).

Breaking through long-held presumptions about family relationships, this volume focuses on lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities as an important facet of life in many families. It examines the entire multifaceted experience of such relationships, in contrast to studies which have looked exclusively at the lives and origins of lesbian and gay couples. The editors bring together the most important recent scholarship on lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities in families, and identify directions for future research and theory in this area. The first section of the book discusses different perspectives on sexual orientation in families. It highlights important and controversial new research on sexual orientation and emphasizes the interplay of continuities and discontinuities across generations. The next section focuses on key aspects of interpersonal relationships within the families of lesbians, gay men, and bisexual individuals. The relationships between children and parents of different sexual orientations are discussed. The final section of the book focuses on the community and contextual issues. It explores the economic issues, antigay attitudes, policies, and social structures.