Young Sexual Minority Women's Perceptions of Cross-Generational Friendships with Older Lesbians

Abstract

Perspectives on cross-generational friendships with older lesbians were explored using informal group interviews with two groups of young sexual minority women (N = 16), ages 15 to 25. A majority of the participants were women of color; all were regular members of weekly discussion groups at two lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered centers on the East Coast. About half of the young women were interested in having friendships with older lesbians, citing the importance of such relationships for helping younger women cope with coming out, providing a sense of community, and serving as role models and mentors. Others were less interested in becoming friends with older lesbians, citing the generation gap as being an insurmountable obstacle. The participants also perceived that many older lesbians were not interested in cross-generational friendships. Ways to create opportunities for forming cross-generational friendships were identified.

Key Words:

• Lesbian
• bisexual women
• sexual minorities
• adolescence
• young adulthood
• coming out
• friendship
• cross-generational friendship