title: We are family: I got all my sisters with me!
abstract: This article introduces the reader to an unusual family of choice: a 10-year-old Internet listserv for a "family" of lesbian nuns. The purpose of this listserv, and reasons for belonging to it, are described, including as context the unique psychosocial situation of lesbian nuns. The author includes such "family dynamics" as personality differences, the presence of a famous family member, inclusion/exclusion, stability/change, and dealing with differences. Issues of privacy, danger from outside the "family", and being stigmatized are acknowledged. The author comments on the unique qualities of a "cyber-family" and compares the listserv with other kinds of families.
authors.affiliation: mkhunyady@rscj.org
authors.forename: Mary Kay
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Hunyady
mesh_terms: D002410:Catholicism; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D012071:Religion and Sex; D012657:Self-Help Groups