Abstract
Drawing on practice wisdom, the literature, theories, concepts, and models that are most commonly used to inform and guide social work practice with families, this paper is limited to an analysis of gay and lesbian adolescents within the context of their family systems. The paper examines the primary reciprocal exchanges and transactions that lesbian and gay youth and their families face as they confront the unique person-environmental tasks involved in a society that assumes all of its members are heterosexual. The author explores the following areas: the effects of sensing differentness; the effects of developing a false self due to the socialization process of hiding; an examination of the means by which adolescents adapt to their identity, and finally, the effects of being “found out” or “coming out” within the family system. Recommendations for social work practice with lesbian and gay adolescents and their families are presented.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
