New Directions in Lesbian Research, Theory, and Education

Abstract

In the last decade some exciting research has taken place within the lesbian community that has more to do with what is relevant to lesbian life-styles and less to do with proving to society that "'homosexuality" is a viable life-style. Current lesbian research tends to be descriptive and phenomenological as opposed to being formal empirical research. There is also a movement toward less reliance on existing theoretical models, which tend to be sexist and homophobic, to guide these observations. We need to discover our own voice.

Lesbian Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Community, Identity, and Resilience

“…Despite these issues, there is a sense in the literature that lesbian CSA survivors may enjoy benefits not shared by heterosexual women, such as accessing a community that is more open to discussing personal difficulties, or where feminist analyses of violence and abuse are common (Butke, 1995;Moon, 1996;Sang, 1989). There is also evidence that integrating into lesbian or LBGT (lesbian/bisexual/gay/ transexual) communities and becoming increasingly open about one's sexual orientation are associated with improvements in self-esteem and self-confidence (Bradford et al, 1994;Walters & Simoni, 1993).…”

Sexual identity of women who love women

“…Historically, homosexuality has been labeled as a disorder and condemned as a sexually deviant behavior. Homosexuals are still working to overcome the prejudices and stereotypes that have been cultivated and reinforced in society (Logan, 2006;Sang, 1989). The lack of civil rights and continued oppression experienced by homosexuals are reported to impact their sexual identity development (Pearson, 2003;Reynolds, 2003).…”

“…Developmental stage models continue to be the reference for normative sexual development (Diamond, 2008(Diamond, , 2010Sophie, 1985Sophie, /1986). However, these traditional models fail to recognize contextual, cultural, and historical considerations, and this oversimplification poses a problem for the ever-evolving concept of the non-heterosexual woman (Diamond, 2008;Sang, 1989;Savin-Williams, 2005). Consistent among all stage models of sexual identity development is the process of "coming out" (Carrion & Lock, 1997).…”

“…Until recently, developmental stage models were the only reference of normative sexual development (Diamond, 2012). These traditional models failed to recognize contextual, cultural, and historical considerations, and thus was an oversimplification that posed problems for the ever-evolving non-heterosexual woman within a clinical setting (Diamond, 2012;Sang 1989;Savin-Williams, 2005). Diamond conducted a 10-year longitudinal study on the reported sexual orientation of women and found that for the women in her study, sexual orientation was fluid, ever changing, and evolving over time (Diamond, 2005).…”