Lesbian Motherhood: Identity and Social Support

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between lesbian identity, social support and lesbian mothers' ability to cope with the stress of a heterosexual and homophobic environment. Interviews with 31 lesbian mothers revealed that social support was obtained from a variety of sources, both lesbian and nonlesbian. The women had strong, positive lesbian identities and were open about their lesbianism, although selective about coming out. They had and used stress-mediating resources and were successfully adapting to their social environments. The implications for social work practice are presented.