Introduction to GLBT Family Studies (Haworth Series in GLBT Family Studies)

Description

Gain a better understanding of the special therapeutic issues and needs of GLBT families In terms of research, GLBT families constitute a neglected segment of society. Gender and sexual orientation can make the issues in family studies even more difficult to work through. An Introduction to GLBT Family Studies tackles a challenging research topic by presenting noted experts examining the latest information on the newest type of family studies—GLBT families. This groundbreaking text explores a wide range of unique problems faced by nontraditional families, as well as issues common to traditional families that need to be approached with a GLBT perspective. Though homophobia and heterosexism constantly influence GLBT families, these factors do not necessarily overwhelm the dynamic of their basic family unit. Issues present in many traditional families are found when researching GLBT families. An Introduction to GLBT Family Studies spotlights the issues, research, and future trends that provide a foundation for the study of GLBT families. This breakthrough volume focuses not only on the obvious unique factors within GLBT families, but also on the elements encountered within families that are present regardless of sexual orientation and gender, such as physical and emotional abuse. Expert contributors present research findings on family pattern issues relating to parent-child relationships, child development, sibling relationships, family structure, intimate relationships, stepfamilies, alternative family structures, and extended family relationships. Each chapter is extensively referenced and offers possibilities for further research. An Introduction to GLBT Family Studies discusses family studies topics such as: the impact of the family of origin life course perspective transgender identity issues and the family when a spouse comes out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual a study of lesbian couples adapting genogram techniques in therapy research comparing siblings of different sexual orientations studies of patterns of responses to parental reactions to learning their offspring are gay, lesbian, or bisexual the polyamory structure to some gay men’s familial relationships same-sex marriages and legalized relationships gay male couples’ roles in today’s society the impact of heterosexism on working with same-sex relationships research on long-term lesbian couples An Introduction to GLBT Family Studies is a valuable reference for academic researchers in family studies, marriage and family therapy, social work, and counseling; educators, upper division undergraduate and graduate students; and anyone interested in better understanding GLBT family studies. Front Cover An Introduction to GLBT Family Studies Copyright Page Contents About the Editor Contributors Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: Glbt Family Issues Chapter 1. A Process of Change: The Intersection of the GLBT Individual and His or Her Family of Origin Societal and Familial Constraints GLBT Awareness and Discovery The Question of Disclosure The Process of Change Conclusion Chapter 2. Life-Course Social Science Perspectives on the GLBT Family Life-Course Perspectives and the GLBT Family From Life-Cycle to Life-Course Family Study Life-Course Perspectives on Sexual-Minority Families Conclusion Chapter 3. Translove: Transgender Persons and Their Families General Issues Family-of-Origin Issues Case Study: A Transwoman (MTF) Couples’ Issues Case Study: A Transman (FTM) Issues Affecting Children Conclusion Introductory Transgender Resources Chapter 4. A Family Matter: When a Spouse Comes Out As Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Where We Are Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Spouses Heterosexual Spouses Mixed-Orientation Couples Children of Mixed-Orientation Couples The Future and How We Might Get There Chapter 5. Genograms Redrawn: Lesbian Couples Define Their Families Lesbian Family Relationships Family Life-Cycle Theory and Genograms Method Results Discussion Chapter 6. Siblings and Sexual Orientation: Products of Alternative Families or the Ones Who Got Away? Siblings As a Comparison Group for GLBs: The Studies Education and Moving Away from the Family of Origin Relationships, Children, and Division of Labor Religion and Politics Which Siblings Become Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Heterosexual? Chapter 7. Stress and Adaptation Among Families of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth: Research Challenges Stress and the Discovery of GLB Youths’ Sexual and Gender Identities Recent Findings Concerning GLB Youth and Their Families Problems with Research on Familial Reactions to Disclosure of GLB Youths’ Sexual Orientation A Human Development Model of GLB Youth Development in the Family Context Directions for Future Research Part II: Special Issues in GLBT Family Studies Chapter 8. Polyamory and Gay Men: A Family Systems Approach Models of Polyamory Making it Work: Essential Skills Benefits of Polyamorous Relationships Understanding Families Understanding a Polyamorous Gay Male Family Areas for Future Research Conclusion Chapter 9. Coming Out As “We 3”: Using Personal Ethnography and the Case Study to Assess Relational Identity and Parental Support of Gay Male, Three-Partner Relationships Background The Academic Letter Chapter 10. Same-Sex Marriage and Legalized Relationships: I Do, or Do I? Heterosexual Marriage As a Model for Same-Sex Marriage? Same-Sex Marriage Do Lesbians and Gay Men Want to Marry? Other Data on Legalized Same-Sex Relationships Future Directions Chapter 11. Same-Sex Marriage: The Difficult Road Ahead Part III: Clinical Issues in GLBT Family Studies Chapter 12. Sex, Drugs, Rock ’N’ Roll . . . and Children: Redefining Male Couples in the Twenty-First Century A Systemic Perspective Case Illustration: Mark and Fred A Work in Progress Conclusion Chapter 13. Achieving Competent Family Practice with Same-Sex Parents: Some Promising Directions The Requirements of Ethical Practice Family Systems Theory: Role Differentiation in Same-Sex Parents Structural Social Work Ecological Systems Perspective Queer Theory Weaving Together Strands of Theory: Role Differentiation and Queer Parents Clinical Implications Chapter 14. Listening to Lesbian Couples: Communication Competence in Long-Term Relationships Methods Results Discussion Conclusion and Recommendations Index