Lesbian Friendships at Midlife

Summary

This article examines current patterns and future possibilities for lesbians' friendships at midlife. Drawing upon the particular historical and developmental experiences of white, middle-class lesbians at midlife today, three patterns of “friends as family” are identified and explored: (a) friends as substitute family members, (b) friends as a challenge to the core family structure, and (c) friends as in-laws. While each friendship pattern reflects a valuation of friendships among midlife lesbians, each also holds unique implications for the organization and prioritization of midlife lesbians' other relationships and life choices. The existence of these diverse patterns of friendship has important implications for lesbians themselves, as well as for researchers, theoreticians, and social service practitioners working with midlife lesbians.

Key Words:

• Lesbian
• midlife
• friendship
• friends as family
• substitute family
• family of choice
• family of origin
• heterosexism
• parenting
• ageism
• LBGTs