Once-Married African-American Lesbians and Bisexual Women: Identity Development and the Coming-Out Process

Abstract

This study explored identity development and the coming-out process of once-married African-American lesbians and bisexual women. Participants (n = 12) were all African-American and identified as lesbian or bisexual and had been legally married at least once. Data was collected via interviews using open-ended questions that addressed issues concerning sexual development and awareness and coming out as lesbian or bisexual. Data was then transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the grounded theory method. Hence, reemerging significant themes were observed and categorized. A total of seven significant themes were discerned from the data presented. The implications for treatment with this population were also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• African-American
• lesbian
• identity
• coming-out
• bisexual
• once-married
• women