Becoming a Stepparent in Gay/Lesbian Stepfamilies

ABSTRACT

Lesbians and gays who become stepparents 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 stepparent status. This transition is more complex than that experienced by either their partners (previously married biological parents) or by heterosexual stepparents.

Key Words:

• Gay and lesbian identity
• stepparents
• stepfamilies
• coming out