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Abstract
Studies have shown that familial rejection can lead to mental health concerns and lowered self-esteem in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals (Gonsiorek & Rudolph, 1991; Szymanski & Gupta, 2009). Yet, analyzing GLBT experiences from a binary perspective (i.e., acceptance versus rejection) does not account for the richness and complexity of familial responses. Through a qualitative study, 24 gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer (GLBQ) individuals reflected upon how their families communicated four types of messages about sexual orientation. Participant narratives also reveal the ways family communications incited fear of coming out and negatively impacted their self-esteem. Implications for counseling professionals and family members are included.