Disenfranchised Grief Among Lesbian and Gay Bereaved Individuals

Abstract

Experiences of grief among lesbian and gay (LG) individuals who have encountered the death of their partner remain invisible within the larger culture and within the counseling literature. This contribution provides a conceptual review of literature regarding the bereavement process of individuals who identify as sexual minorities. Special focus is given to the concept of disenfranchised grief and its impact on LG individuals. Two clinical vignettes are presented to illustrate the distinct experiences of older LG individuals who face end-of-life issues in their caregiver roles, as well as middle-aged LG persons who may encounter the death of a partner.

KEYWORDS:

• bereavement
• grief
• LG individuals
• older LG individuals