Lesbians Surviving Culture

Abstract

Because mainstream society privileges and assumes heterosexuality, nonheterosexual persons experience isolation and disconnection, especially lesbian women who may also in turn strategize a corrective form of disconnection. Relational-cultural theory (RCT) is applied to enhance the understanding of how lesbian women cope through connection and disconnection, explained generally and then applied specifically to unique lesbian issues in the creation of relationship, political advocacy, and spirituality. Although RCT is a powerful tool to inform practice, social workers must be mindful of the interpretation of connection. Lesbian strategies of disconnection may be the goal for an enhanced quality of life and a quest for connection.