Non-heterosexual women's experiences of informal social support: A qualitative metasynthesis

ABSTRACT

This metasynthesis explores how non-heterosexual women experience informal social support. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify papers for inclusion, following which Noblit and Hare's (1988) meta-ethnographic approach was adopted to synthesize the findings of 16 papers. Four themes were derived: (a) disconnection from family life, (b) the benefits of cross-sexual orientation friendships, (c) negotiating (internalized) homophobia and seeking a space for authenticity, and (d) the intimacy of friendships between women. The impact of heterosexism on the women's experiences of social support is discussed, implications for health and social care are explored, and future research avenues are proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• non-heterosexual
• friendship
• social support
• heterosexism
• metasynthesis

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Jenny Brine, Jane Traies, Kathy Almack, Ste Weatherhead, and Emma Tyerman for their guidance and advice in completing and writing up this article.