title: Stories of lesbian in/visibility in nursing.
abstract: In this article, a study of the life histories of 5 self-identified lesbian women in nursing is reported. A metastory of "In/Visibility" captured the essence of lesbians being the focus of intense scrutiny while at the same time feeling the pressure to keep their lifestyle and identity hidden from others. Seven story themes were elaborated: closeting of lesbianism in nursing, isolating and hiding from self and others, living a double-life, self-loathing and shame, experiencing discrimination from others, keeping safe, and threatening others who are closeted.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand.
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Giddings
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D006252:Hate; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011287:Prejudice; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012752:Shame; D012933:Social Identification; D012934:Social Isolation; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology