Filled with positive, life-affirming stories and coping strategies, this resource will help same-sex couples deal effectively with the daily challenges and stresses of homophobia within their family, workplace, and community. Many same-sex couples are stigmatized because of their relationship and experience significant stress. In every life context—family, work, neighborhood, religious communities, and in social and legal contexts—same-sex couples have to make decisions about disclosure, how to respond to prejudice, and how to cope with negative feelings about themselves and their experiences. This book helps couples work together to identify, develop, and use their strengths and skills to successfully navigate these issues and flourish. Tough tasks like confronting prejudice will never be easy, but thanks to the stories, tools, and resources presented in this book, readers will learn to manage such situations in a positive way.
Learning
Trade ReviewThis is a self-help book in the finest sense of the term: Content is scholarly and based on current literature; it offers nuance, street smarts, and sophistication in negotiating life’s gray-zone dilemmas, yet it is accessible and engaging for lay readers, who are its intended audience. * PsycCRITIQUES *
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
I. Family of Origin
- Coming Out to Grandma
- When the Family Rule Is "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
- Family Gatherings
- Our Families, Ourselves
- We Can Choose Our Family!
- Warm Welcomes and Family Allies
II. Family of Creation
- "You Aren't the 'Real' Parent"
- When Bad Things Happen to Our Kids
- "Ins and Outs" of Parenting
- On the Lookout
- "Are We Being Selfish?"
- It Takes a Village, People!
III. Religion
- "My Family Thinks Our Relationship Is an Abomination"
- Looking for God in All the Wrong Places
- True Confessions
- Good Religion Gone Bad
- Letting Our Light Shine
- Finding Higher Ground
IV. Work
- The Unfriendly Workplace
- Cleaning Out the Work Closet
- Testing the Waters at Work
- Are You for Real?
- Taking Pride to Work
V. Neighborhoods and Local Communities
- Getting a Bad Deal
- I Wanna Hold Your Hand
- Out on the Town
- What Will the Neighbors Think?
- It's a Beautiful Day in the Gayborhood
VI. Laws and Policies
- Going to the Chapel
- Stepping Out and Looking In
- Good Help Is Hard to Find!
- Yours, Mine, and Ours
- Until All Are Equal
Conclusion: A Future Where We Thrive and Flourish
Additional Resources
Index
About the Authors
