Adult Daughters whose Mothers Come Out Later in Life: What is the Psychosocial Impact?

SUMMARY

When a family member comes out, it is a process not only for that individual lesbian but also for their entire family. Adult daughters whose mothers come out later in life have distinctive paths to navigate. This article reports findings of an interview study with six daughters who were adults when their mothers came out to them. Most daughters felt they emerged from childhood with an open mind about sexual identity, but had no idea about their mother's lesbianism until told by her. Half the participants questioned the role of women in their lives after their mother came out. Five of the six have a very close relationship, or have become closer, with their mother, since her coming out.

KEYWORDS:

• Lesbian mothers
• coming out
• mother–daughter relationship

Acknowledgments

Kristen Davies received her masters in psychology/counseling at Goddard College and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. atWalden University. She does clinical work with children and families who are experiencing acute crisis.