Parental Responses to Coming out by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Pansexual, or Two-Spirited People across Three Age Cohorts

Definitions and Measurement Tools for Assessing Parental Reactions to LGB People Coming Out: A Critical Review

Parental responses to young people's coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) are a crucial experience in identity formation and subsequent mental health outcomes. However, how parents react to coming out varies and remains relatively imprecise in the literature. The aim of the present critical review was to explore and discuss the different definitions and measurement tools used in studies assessing perceived parental reactions to the coming out of LGB people aged 18 years and over. Following PRISMA guidelines, a review of 14 selected articles was carried out to examine the different tools used. Then, based on this selection of articles, a review of the different proposed definitions of parental reactions was carried out. Analysis revealed that the Perceived Parental Reactions Scale emerged as the most widely used and most appropriate international scale for capturing the diversity of perceived parental reactions. Then, parental responses were often addressed in a dichotomous manner, focusing primarily on acceptance or rejection. Future studies will need to consider a more nuanced approach to understanding parental reactions to coming out.

Parental Identity and Lived Experiences when Parenting a LGBTQIA+2 Child: A Critical Narrative Synthesis of Current Evidence

PURPOSE

Most LGBTQIA + 2 studies focus on the core sexually and gender diverse population without exploring the peripheral familial perspectives. Current research needs to explore parental experiences of parenting a LGBTQIA+2 child, since parents undergo an identity change after their child's disclosure. This parental identity change may affect parental well-being and add to the existing stress of parenting a LGBTQIA + 2 child.

METHODS

This paper uses the identity process theory (IPT) to review 18 studies on parental narratives to highlight the change in parental identity. Databases were searched for first-hand parenting experiences and shortlisted articles were qualitatively synthesized.

FINDINGS

We identified six main themes: I) Parental identity change is triggered by a child's disclosure. II) Parental identity change drives parental emotions that evolve from initial anger, shock, fear, concern, grief, etc. to eventual acceptance of their child. III) Parental identity and emotions change, as for any life change process, across assimilation, accommodation, adjustment, and evaluation phases of the IPT. IV) Parental identity change is motivated by continuity, coherence, self-efficacy, belongingness, distinctiveness, meaning and self-esteem principles of the IPT. V) Parental identity influences parental micro-individual, meso-interactional and macro-societal interactions of the IPT framework. VI) Parental mental well-being may be affected across the assimilation, accommodation, adjustment phases of the IPT before eventual acceptance of the child in the evaluation phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental lived experiences require a stronger consideration today within the wider, non-white, contexts. The effect of identity change on parental mental well-being and its intergenerational effect needs to be explored within the context of the IPT. Parental narratives will contribute towards creating appropriate counselling toolkits and interventions for health care providers and parents of LGBTQIA + 2 children.

Understanding How Coming Out Goes Well for Sexual and Gender Minorities

Coming out is often seen as a positive event that bolsters well-being for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). However, the relationship between coming out and well-being is more complex among SGMs. We set out to evaluate the reliability and validity of two recent scales related to coming out: the Coming Out Vigilance and Positive Coming Out Responses scales. Using a sample of 437 SGMs and supporting previous work, we found evidence supporting the reliability and convergent, divergent, predictive, and incremental validity of both scales. Both scales evidenced substantial relationships with well-being, with the Coming Out Vigilance scale being related to all facets of well-being except relationships, and the Positive Coming Out Responses scale being related to all facets of well-being. Most importantly, we found that the scales accounted for variation in well-being above and beyond that accounted for by LGBTQ+ Hypervigilance and Parental Acceptance, respectively. Finally, we did not find evidence that the Coming Out Vigilance scale moderated the relationship between outness and well-being, nor did we find evidence that the Positive Coming Out Responses scale mediated the relationship between outness and well-being.

Assessing attitudes toward LGB people in young adolescents

Since people's attitude toward lesbians, gay men and bisexual people (LGB) affects young LGB people's mental health and subsequently their quality of life, it is important to establish people's attitudes toward LGB people. The current study examined attitudes toward lesbian, gay and bisexual people among Dutch students and the psychometrical characteristics of adapted instruments measuring attitudes toward sexual diversity. The students in the sample (N = 1.633) were recruited from secondary schools. The participants completed questionnaires with scales measuring attitudes toward LGB people. The results indicate that participants hold positive attitudes overall, but there are differences with regard to gender and educational level. In addition, the used instruments prove to be psychometrically sound for measuring LGB attitudes and this work contributes to the empirical debate about whether adolescents' attitudes toward lesbians, gay men and bisexual people underly domains of a general attitude toward LGB people. Our results indicate that students do not seem to distinguish among sexually diverse subgroups much, possibly a sign of increased awareness and knowledge of LGB groups. The use of one general measure of attitudes of sexually diverse people may be considered in future research.

A Latent Profile Analysis of Religious Parents' Responses to Their Sexual and Gender Diverse Child

Prior research indicates that religious parents can have negative, positive, or ambivalent responses to their child's sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Yet, to our knowledge no research has quantitatively examined patterns of sexual and gender diverse (SGD) youth's perceptions of their religious parents' responses to their SOGI. Without examining variations in these patterns, we are unable to better understand the experiences of SGD youth with religious parents. In the current paper, we examined patterns of SGD youth's perceptions of their religious parents' SOGI-specific rejection, acceptance, and SOGI change efforts. We also examined if these patterns differed by SGD youth's individual and contextual factors. The analytic sample consisted of online responses from 5,686 SGD youth (Mage = 15.95). We found four distinct profiles: Positive Parental Response, Moderate Negative Parental Response, Low Parental Response, and High Negative Parental Response. The largest profile was the Positive Parental Response, suggesting that many SGD youth perceived positive responses from their religious parents. SGD youth with diverse gender identities and intersecting identities, such as race/ethnicity, were more vulnerable to religious parents' negative responses. Findings have implications for existing resources and programs aimed at strengthening SGD youth's relationship with their religious parents.

Same-Sex Kissing and Having a Gay or Lesbian Child: A Bridge Too Far? Parent-Child Similarities in Homophobic Attitudes and Observed Parental Discomfort

This study examined parent-child similarities in homophobic attitudes and observed parental discomfort with coming-out vignettes in interactions with their adolescent children (14-18 years old). Based on gender schema theory and the family process model we expected parent-child similarities in homophobic attitudes to be stronger in same-gender dyads. Further, we expected that observed parental discomfort with coming-out vignettes would occur and is stronger when the gender of the parent, child, and character in the vignette match. We used questionnaires and observation data from 199 White Dutch families in the Netherlands. Our results showed that parents' homophobic attitudes were associated with their children's homophobic attitudes. For same-sex kissing and (imagining) having a gay son, these associations were stronger between parents and children of the same gender. Further, parental discomfort with coming-out vignettes occurred and was stronger when parents and children had the same gender, regardless of the gender of the vignette character. In conclusion, policies aiming at gay and lesbian inclusion should not be limited to accepting gay/lesbian identities, but also pay attention to the acceptance of same-sex intimacy expressions, having gay or lesbian family members, and normalizing discussions about gay/lesbian lives.

Mitigating the Impact of Religiously Based Family Expectations on Depression Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: The Role of Authenticity

Although it is clear that religious beliefs can motivate family rejection among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), ultimately harming their mental health, researchers have not examined the direct link between religiously based family expectations and mental health. In the present study, we first developed the Religiously Based Family Expectations Scale. The scale demonstrated good reliability and factor structure. It evidenced convergent and divergent validity with other measures of religiousness and sexual identity, as well as incremental validity in predicting mental health outcomes above and beyond these measures. Next, we examined how religiously based family expectations related to depression in a sample of 534 SGMs with a conservative religious background (raised as part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). We found that religiously based family expectations were positively related to depression but that this relationship was moderated by authenticity such that religiously based family expectations exerted a much stronger relationship with depression among SGMs who evidenced less authenticity.

Stress of being outed to parents, LGBTQ family support, and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender diverse youth

Limited scholarship has explored how a lack of agency in identity disclosure (being "outed") to parents is associated with mental health experiences of sexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY). With a national sample of SGDY (N = 9272; 66.8% White non-Hispanic) aged 13-17 (Mage  = 15.63, SD = 1.24), this study first compared social position differences between SGDY who were outed to their parents compared to those not outed, and second, investigated how the stress from being outed to parents was associated with LGBTQ family support and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that SGDY who were outed to their parents reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower amounts of LGBTQ family support than SGDY who were not outed to their parents. In addition, greater stress from being outed to parents was indirectly associated with higher depressive symptoms through lower LGBTQ family support. These relationships significantly varied across gender identity. Findings highlight the importance of instilling greater agency in disclosure experiences among SGDY.

Why LGBTQ Adults Keep Ambivalent Ties with Parents: Theorizing "Solidarity Rationales"

Many LGBTQ adults have ongoing relationships with their parents that are ambivalent, typified by both solidarity (e.g., frequent contact, emotional or financial exchange) as well as conflict (e.g., parents' heterosexism and cissexism). Yet, why LGBTQ people remain in-rather than end-their ambivalent intergenerational ties is underexplored. We analyze qualitative in-depth interview data with 76 LGBTQ adults to answer this question. We find that LGBTQ adult children deploy narratives that privilege intergenerational solidarity over strain-what we call "solidarity rationales"- to explain why they remain in their ambivalent intergenerational ties. Four solidarity rationales were identified: 1) closeness and love, 2) parental growth, 3) the unique parent-child role, and 4) the importance of parental resources. Identifying LGBTQ adults' solidarity rationales pulls back the curtain on the compulsory social forces driving persistent intergenerational relationships. This study also advances our thinking about how socially marginalized people cope with complex social ties that include interpersonal discrimination and stigma.

Stretched Kinship: Parental Rejection and Acceptance of Queer Youth in Chinese Families

Kinship has been the primary concern among young queer people in today's China and other parts of Asia under the strong and ongoing familism, who often find it challenging to come out and negotiate their sexuality with their parental family. This paper adopts the concept of stretched kinship to critically analyze the digital videos released by PFLAG China (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in China) from 2015 to 2020, focusing on the experiences of the parents in their responses to young people's coming out. It both extends and challenges the concept of stretched kinship by turning the spotlight from queer youth to their parents-a topic often overlooked in queer Asian and Chinese studies-to examine how Chinese parents reject and accept their queer child contextualized in the rapid and ongoing social change in twenty-first-century China and Asia.

Inclusive and Age-Appropriate Timing of Sexual Health Discussions at Home According to Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Adolescent Males

PURPOSE

The exclusion of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent males' specific sexuality concerns in standard classroom education heightens the need for parents to be primary sources of trusted sexual health information. The aim of this study was to collect GBQ adolescent males' suggestions for a comprehensive list and age-appropriateness of topics that parents may use for inclusive discussions at home throughout the elementary, middle school, and high school years.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews and card sorts of 48 topics were conducted with a sample of 30 racial and ethnic diverse GBQ adolescents in central North Carolina. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and a calculation of card sort responses followed.

RESULTS

Topics chosen for elementary-age GBQ youth were focused on core issues about human anatomy, safety, and the continuum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Participants designated the majority of topics for home-based discussions in middle school and emphasized considerations for engaging in sex, relating with others socially, options for HIV/STI risk reduction, issues around interpersonal safety, and pleasure. They reserved topics for high school focused on complex sociorelational issues and technology-based concerns.

DISCUSSION

Participants' varied rationale for timing of topics centered on the age-appropriateness and level of details that they deemed acceptable for discussions with parents. To address disproportionate negative sexual and mental health outcomes noted in this youth subgroup, parents should focus on being supportive by providing factual and sequential information crucial for their GBQ childrens' anticipated developmental needs and sexual identity milestones.

Parent-Adult Child Estrangement in the United States by Gender, Race/ethnicity, and Sexuality

Objective

To provide nationally-representative estimates of parent-adult child estrangement.

Background

Population-level research is needed on parent-adult child estrangement to understand the full range of family dynamics in the U.S.

Method

We estimate logistic regression models using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 Child and Young Adult supplement to determine estimates of estrangement (and subsequent unestrangement) from mothers (N=8,495) and fathers (N=8,119) by children's gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality. We then estimate hazards of first estrangement from mothers (N = 7,919) and fathers (N = 6,410), adjusting for adult child's and parents' social and economic characteristics.

Results

Six percent of respondents report a period of estrangement from mothers, with an average age of first maternal estrangement of 26 years old; 26 percent of respondents report estrangement from fathers, with an average age of first paternal estrangement of 23 years old. Results further show heterogeneity by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality; for example, daughters are less likely to be estranged from their mothers than are sons, Black adult children are less likely than White adult children to be estranged from their mothers but more likely to be estranged from fathers, and gay, lesbian, and bisexual adult children are more likely than heterosexuals to be estranged from fathers. The majority of estranged adult children become unestranged from mothers (81%) and fathers (69%) in subsequent waves.

Conclusion

This study provides compelling new evidence on an overlooked aspect of intergenerational relationships, concluding with insight into the structural forces that unequally contribute to estrangement patterns.

A Nationally Representative Study of Sexual Orientation and High-Risk Drinking From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

PURPOSE

To determine whether peer drunkenness, parental knowledge about their adolescent's whereabouts and behaviors, and depressive symptoms contribute to sexual orientation disparities in high-risk drinking behaviors; if they do, they would be potential intervention targets.

METHODS

Longitudinal survey data from 2,051 adolescents who participated in the NEXT Generation Health Study were analyzed. Latent growth curve and longitudinal path analyses were used to test for indirect effects linking sexual orientation in 11th grade (3.4% males and 8.4% females were sexual minorities) to past 30-day heavy episodic drinking (HED) over 6 years and past year high-intensity binge drinking at 4 years after high school.

RESULTS

Sexual minority males were not more likely to engage in high-risk drinking than heterosexual males. In contrast, sexual minority females were more likely than heterosexual females to engage in HED when they were in 11th grade (Odds Ratio = 2.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.43, 5.61), in part because of lower parental knowledge. Sexual minority females also had higher depressive symptoms during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, which in turn was associated with greater risk of high-intensity binge drinking in young adulthood. Peer drunkenness was a strong risk factor for HED and high-intensity binge drinking among both males and females.

DISCUSSION

Sexual minority females reported lower levels of parental knowledge during adolescence and higher levels of depressive symptoms during the transition to young adulthood than heterosexual females. Both factors were associated with high-risk drinking behavior, suggesting developmentally sensitive opportunities to mitigate sexual orientation disparities in high-risk drinking.

The paradox of progress for sexual and gender diverse youth

In this essay, we explore diversity in sexual and gender identities, with a focus on implications of the current politicized moment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youth. As youth come out at younger ages, their personal identity development collides with the adolescence period characterized by peer influence, stigma, and possible victimization. We consider the changing and diverse experiences of coming out in adolescence for sexual and gender diverse youth. The current social and political moment offers possibilities for new identities, yet anti-LGBTQ + legislative and policy actions have crucial implications for health and wellbeing for youth.

The Influence of Concerns About a Child's Sexual Orientation on Mental Health Among Parents of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Children in Hong Kong

Sexual minority stress affects not only lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, but also their families. Due to the pervasiveness of stigma and discrimination, parents of LGB children often express concerns about the public perception of their child's sexual orientation and its possible impact on children, parents, and families. The concerns are particularly pertinent to parents in Chinese families, where there is a strong bond between parents and children. The present study seeks to understand the different dimensions of concerns among Chinese parents of LGB children and examine how these concerns affect their mental health. A total of 146 parents of LGB children in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in a survey regarding attitudes and concerns about their child's sexual orientation. The results revealed three areas of concern, which reflect parental worries about how a child's LGB identity may negatively impact the child, parent, and family. Parents who viewed homosexuality and bisexuality as innate and accepted their child's sexual orientation were likely to show fewer concerns. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that parental acceptance was negatively related to depression and anxiety symptoms through lower levels of child-oriented and family-oriented concerns. As accepting a child's sexual orientation is the key to reducing parental concerns and mental health problems, family-focused psychoeducation is needed to provide parents with accurate information about sexual orientation and foster supportive attitudes toward their LGB child. Clinicians and human service providers should also address child-oriented and family-oriented concerns among parents of LGB adolescents who are more inclined to be concerned about their child's sexual orientation.

Sexual and Gender Diverse Young Adults’ Perception of Behaviors that are Supportive and Unsupportive of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities

To explore specific responses that sexual and gender diverse young adults (SGD YA) perceive to be supportive and unsupportive of sexual orientation and gender identity by caregivers and other adults following identity disclosure. SGD YA ( N = 101), ages 18 to 25 years ( M = 21.2) were predominantly White (83.1%), non-Hispanic (89.1%), assigned female at birth (82.2%). The majority (97.8%) were sexually diverse (e.g., queer, pansexual, lesbian, gay, asexual, bisexual) and half (50%) were gender diverse (e.g. transgender, agender, genderqueer, nonbinary). Participants completed an online survey. This analysis is focused on participants’ responses to open-ended questions regarding responses they perceived to be supportive and unsupportive of their SGD identity/identities. Content analysis of participants’ open-ended survey responses was conducted using a combination of inductive and deductive coding. Six themes emerged for both supportive responses (communication, actions, acceptance, open-mindedness, unconditional love, and advocacy) and unsupportive responses (distancing, hostility, minimizing, controlling, blaming, and bumbling). For some themes, different sub-themes emerged based on identity. Parents/caregivers as well as other adults in the lives of SGD YA can implement specific responses to demonstrate support for sexual orientation and gender identity with the potential to improve the mental health of SGD YA.

"I Come Out Because I Love You": Positive Coming Out Experiences Among Latter-day Saint Sexual and Gender Minorities

BACKGROUND

Coming out conversations are pivotal and stressful experiences for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Coming out can lead to more affirmation, safety, confidence, and improved relationships. However, adverse coming out experiences can lead to damaged relationships and ostracization, which may be more likely in conservative religious contexts.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study was to explore what leads to positive coming out experiences for SGM members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

METHOD

A sample of 25 current or former Latter-day Saint (LDS) SGMs participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants reported five actions they did that contributed to a beneficial coming out experience: being selective, increasing self-understanding and acceptance, preparing before, decreasing pressure on self, and validating the relationship with the person they came out to. Participants further reported six responses from others that contributed to a beneficial coming out experience: showing loving acceptance, utilizing empathic listening skills, offering and expressing support, celebrating, affirming that the relationship is not changed, and advocating.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The present study extends current knowledge on coming out experiences by demonstrating specific beneficial approaches and responses to coming out. Given participants' lack of focus on religiousness in their reports, these findings may be applicable to both religious and nonreligious SGMs. Our findings extend current knowledge on coming out experiences by demonstrating that both SGM approaches and others' responses are critical to creating a more positive coming out conversation. Future research is needed to understand the efficacy and effects of these coming out approaches and responses.

Violence in the "double closet": female same-sex intimate partner violence and minority stress in China

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been identified as a public health issue among both heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) populations. While attention has often been paid to IPV among heterosexual couples, there is limited research on the causes of and interventions for IPV confronting same-sex couples, especially those in non-Euro-American contexts. This article highlights the "double closet" nature of same-sex IPV, and, in particular, the triply marginalized position of lesbian victims of IPV due to their gender, sexuality, and experiences of violence in China. Extending ongoing discussions about minority stress faced by sexual minority people, it reveals how the daily stressors associated with identity concealment, coupled with relational selfhood and heteronormative institutional constraints, complicate lesbian relationships and violence in China. Focusing on the family-centered context provides an important window into the ways in which the perceived need to stay in the closet (hide one's sexual identity) and rejection from the family of origin and the state influence lesbians' experiences of IPV and inhibit many of them from disclosing violence. This article builds a dialogue between discussions of the closet and existing literature on IPV. It concludes by drawing attention to the need to break the silence around IPV and build alliances for developing culturally sensitive interventions aimed at addressing IPV.

Pediatric sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in the electronic health record

The systematic documentation of sexual orientation and gender identity data in electronic health records can improve patient-centered care and help to identify and address health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority populations. Although there are existing guidelines for sexual orientation and gender identity data among adult patients, there are not yet standard recommendations for pediatric patients. In this article, we discuss methods that pediatric primary care organizations can use to collect and document sexual orientation and gender identity information with children and adolescents in electronic health records. These recommendations take into consideration children's developmental stages, the role of caregivers, and the need to protect the privacy of this information. We also focus on the current limitations of electronic health records in capturing the nuances of sexual and gender minority identities and make suggestions for addressing these limitations.

Food insecurity and SNAP use among sexual minority people: analysis of a population-based sample from National Health Interview Survey, 2017

Background

Food insecurity is a pressing public health problem. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at increased risk for food insecurity, yet this issue remains grossly understudied among this population. The purpose of this study was to add to the existing literature surrounding food insecurity and the use of federal food assistance programs (SNAP) among LGB people.

Methods

This study used publicly available, de-identified data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Primary variables were sexual orientation, food security status, and receipt of SNAP. Food security was assessed using the 10-item USDA Family Food Security measure.

Results

In our sample, people who identified as bisexual had the highest rates of food insecurity (23.8%, n = 76). Female sexual minorities were 52% more likely to experience food insecurity (aOR = 1.518, 95% CI 1.105–2.087, p = .01) and 44% more likely to report household SNAP assistance than their heterosexual counterparts (aOR = 1.441, 95% CI 1.025–2.028, p = .03). SNAP partially mediated the association between sexual orientation and food insecurity for LGB females.

Conclusions

Our findings add to the growing empirical evidence documenting food insecurities among sexual minority adults. Our results reiterate the need for sexual orientation to be included in nationally representative federal food security measures.

Reactions and Feelings to a Close Relative's Coming Out in a Heterosexual Relationship

Which different feelings and reactions do different family members show if an adult family member who has long been perceived as heterosexual discloses their sexual identity as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB)? Previous studies have investigated reactions of spouses and sometimes children in the United States. This article describes the findings of qualitative interviews and a German-language quantitative survey (N = 188) in which family members were asked about their emotions, experiences during the coming out process, and their use of support options. The samples were recruited via different LGB+ online forums and organizations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (age M = 44.08). The results demonstrate that a coming out after years of a heterosexual biography and family life affects adults' parents and siblings in addition to spouses and children. Siblings were perceived as a supportive group of family members showing calm and mostly positive reactions. Parents mainly reported surprise but also showed on the one hand interest in supporting their children in the coming out process; on the other hand, we find also evidence for negative reactions including rejecting behavior. Children's coping and well-being depended on the time that had passed since the coming out and their age at the time of the coming out. Spouses felt shocked, angry, and the ground was pulled from under their feet. Comparing the perspectives of these groups of family members, differences between them, and their specific needs are discussed. Practical implications are derived from the support options mentioned, and range from information from books, the internet to professional advice. Spouses report the need of diverse support options, whereas other family members ask friends and other family members for support. Forums, counseling and the possibility to exchange were perceived as a support but were more accessible for women than for men. They provide the chance for a communicative exchange before the stress becomes too strong.

Parental Experiences of Coming Out: From "Un-doing Family Bonds" to "Family Generativity"

The coming out (CO) is a family process that involves the LGB+ person and all family members. The present study aimed to analyze the CO process from parents' perspective and examine if and how the emotional states of mothers and fathers changed in the years following the disclosure. The study involved 25 Italian parents (16 mothers, 9 fathers; M_age = 67, SD = 7.8) of 17 gay men and 8 lesbian women. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview designed to explore parents' reactions to their child's CO and the evolution of their CO experiences over the medium to long term (M = 13.9; SD = 8.3). Interviews were analyzed using emotional text analysis, representing a mixed methodology for tracing the emotional dimensions that organize linguistic productions. The factorial analysis generated four thematic clusters: (1) the un-doing of family bonds; (2) perceived gender typicality in childhood; (3) the freedom to be oneself and transgression; and (4) family generativity. Parents experience CO as challenging, especially in the initial phase. However, some parents develop CO narratives characterized by openness, pride, and generativity. The findings have implications for practice.

Associations Between Fathers' Masculinity Orientation and Anticipated Reaction Toward Their Child's Coming Out

The present study examined associations between fathers' masculinity orientation and their anticipated reaction toward their child's coming out as lesbian or gay (LG). Participants were 134 German fathers (28 to 60years) of a minor child. They were asked how they would personally react if, one day, their child disclosed their LG identity to them. As hypothesized, fathers with a stronger masculinity orientation (i.e., adherence to traditional male gender norms, such as independence, assertiveness, and physical strength) reported that they would be more likely to reject their LG child. This association was serially mediated by two factors: fathers' general anti-LG attitudes (i.e., level of homophobia) and their emotional distress due to their child's coming out (e.g., feelings of anger, shame, or sadness). The result pattern was independent of the child's gender or age. The discussion centers on the problematic role of traditional masculinity when it comes to fathers' acceptance of their non-heterosexual child.

Intentional Kinship through Caring Relationships, Heritage, and Identity: Adoptive Parents’ Inclusion of Non-Biological and Non-Affinal Relationships on Family Maps

Structural open adoption has been beneficial to adoptees in integrating their birth heritage and identity. Adoptive parents also may sometimes seek out others who are neither related biologically nor through partnership to support their child in developing an integrated sense of identity. To what extent do these intentional kinship relationships become incorporated within the adoptive family network and how do adoptive parents view their role in their child’s life? Qualitative data on family inclusion of non-biological and non-affinal kin are reported from interviews with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual adoptive parents (n = 25 families). Analyses of verbal and visual data from family map drawing interviews indicated that adoptive parents from the different types of families similarly included intentional kin in their conceptualization of their child’s family. Adopted children’s foster carers, family friends, other adoptive families, and other children and adults were specifically included on family maps to facilitate children’s knowledge of different aspects of their birth heritage and adoption story. The implications of open adoption policy therefore move beyond considerations of only birth family contact. In practice, open adoption procedures convey a broad message to families that appear to widen adoptive parents’ conceptualization of kinship.

The Coming-Out Process in Family, Social, and Religious Contexts Among Young, Middle, and Older Italian LGBQ+ Adults

The coming out (CO) process is fundamental for identity integration among LGBQ+ people, and its impact can vary greatly depending on personal and contextual factors. The historical, cultural, and social contexts in which LGBQ+ people develop their sexual identity can mediate the relationship between CO and health outcomes. The present study aimed at clarifying the CO process in three generations of Italian LGBQ+ people (young adults: aged 20-40 years; middle adults: aged 41-60 years; older adults: aged 61-80 years) by providing data on: (a) sexual orientation milestones, such as age of first awareness, age of first self-label, and age of first CO, as well as the rate of disclosure during different life stages; (b) the rate and average age of CO to significant others; and (c) CO within the religious context and its effect on participants' minority stress experiences. A total of 266 Italian LGBQ+ people participated in the study, with ages ranging from 20 to 80 years (M = 41.15, SD = 16.13). Findings indicated that, on average, the older adult group became self-aware, self-labeled, and disclosed their sexual identity at a significantly older age than the other groups. Older adults were also more Catholic and had CO more frequently to their Catholic community, relative to young and middle adults. CO within the Catholic context was associated with distal and proximal minority stressors, such as discrimination, vigilance, and internalized sexual stigma. Catholic community reactions to participants' CO were distinguished through thematic analysis in three main types: unconditional acceptance, invitation to change, and open rejection. The present research extended current knowledge on CO and minority stress experiences in different generations of LGBQ+ people. Several differences emerged between generational groups on sexual orientation milestones, highlighting the potential impact of historical and cultural contexts in determining sexual minorities' experiences related to sexual identity. It is recommended that mental health professionals working with LGBQ+ clients implement targeted interventions based on their clients' multiple salient aspects, including age and religious background. Clinicians should also be aware of the potentially detrimental effects of CO within an unsupportive context, rather than encouraging CO tout court.