Integrating identities.
Lesbians and gays who become step parents undergo a series of identity transitions. Previous models typically used to describe gay and lesbian identity formation lack attention to later life transitions. I argue that these models provide little understanding of the experiences of lesbians and gays who integrate their lesbian/gay identity with a step parent status. This transition is more complex than that experienced by either their partners (previously married biological parents) or by heterosexual step parents.
Lynch
Jean M
JM
Department of Sociology, Gerontology, Anthropology, Miami University, Middletown, OH 45409, USA.
D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016487:Parenting; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification