The author focuses more upon the isolated lesbian, rather than upon political lesbianism. Coming out is seen to be a complex and emotional process, but one that is potentially highly rewarding. Lesbians, Markowe shows, have to struggle with both their 'invisibility' in the predominantly heterosexual culture, but also with perceptions of threat and abnormality. Coming out to family and heterosexual friends involves risks and benefits. Case studies of lesbian women are discussed in the context of the threat to, and reconstruction of, identity which the coming-out process presumes.
This book will be of interest to second year undergraduates and above working in the fields of women's studies, social psychology and the psychology or sociology of gender.
2. A Reconceptualization of Coming Out.
3. Lesbian Identity and Attitudes Towards Homosexuality: The Background.
4. A Social-Psychological Framework for Coming Out.
5. The Context of Coming Out.
6. Beginning with 'Always' Lesbian Women...
7. Coming Out to Self and Others.
8. Lesbians with some Heterosexual Background.
9. Therapy for Lesbians: Some Issues.
10. Summary and Conclusions.
References.
Subject Index.
Author Index.