Coming-Out Issues for Adult Lesbians: A Group Intervention

Coming out can be defined as acknowledging one's sexual orientation to self and others. Such disclosure is an ongoing, lifelong process rather than a one-time event. New personal, social, and professional situations require gay men and lesbians to make decisions about the degree to which they can be open about their sexual orientation. Homophobia and heterosexism are oppressive social forces that serve as social silencing mechanisms. Homophobia is the fear and hatred of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, and heterosexism is the perceived superiority of heterosexuality over nonheterosexuality. Those who invest themselves in keeping their sexual orientation a secret expend significant emotional energy to hide a central aspect of their identity. The emotional toll of secrecy can result in internalized shame and self-doubt. To be "out" in a heterosexist culture requires courage. Coming out has received increased attention and emphasis in social work and related helping professions in recent years. Social workers are encountering situations in which they are called on to assist gay men and lesbians in making important decisions related to the coming-out process. Educating and empowering individuals about that process and related issues are important in facilitating self-determination about disclosure in various situations and circumstances. The research described in this article sought to construct a group intervention for adult lesbians who wished to explore issues related to coming out. The intent was to facilitate increased knowledge and self-awareness, thus empowering participants to make their own personal decisions related to disclosure. Coming Out Issues Group A review of the literature revealed five issues that are central to the coming-out process: (1) lesbian or gay identity development (Berzon, 1992; Cass, 1979, 1984a, 1984b; Coleman, 1982; Gramick, 1984; Hanley-Hackenbruck, 1989; Lewis, 1984; Minton & McDonald, 1984; Sophie, 1986, 1988; Troiden, 1979, 1985), (2) homophobia and heterosexism (Berzon, 1992; Jung & Smith, 1993; Lorde, 1984; Morrow, in press; Obear, 1991; Pharr, 1988), (3) religious concerns (Brick, 1992; Johnson, 1992; McNaught, 1992; McNeill, 1978), (4) career concerns (Davids, 1991; Orzek, 1992; Poussaint, 1990; Schneider, 1984), and (5) family-of-origin concerns (Berzon, 1992; Borhek, 1983; Kleinberg, 1985; Lewis, 1984; Morrow, 1993; Weston, 1991). These issues served as the primary framework for the Coming Out Issues Group. Because the group was designed for women, content on gender role socialization, sexism, and assertiveness skills was included as well. Content on racism within the lesbian community and on developing support networks was included as material pertinent to the five core issues. The group process included both an educative and an experiential format. Group members and the facilitator met once a week for two hours. The 10 group sessions were conducted in a meeting room of a local women's center. Session 1: Introduction and Goals and Objectives During the first session initial greetings and introductions were conducted. Goals of the intervention and the plans for each session were reviewed. Group members shared their reasons for joining the group, experiences related to coming out, and feelings about being in the group. The group formulated rules about confidentiality, honesty and openness, break times, scheduled starting and ending times, and respect for each person's choices in the coming-out process. The facilitator introduced the concept of keeping a journal as a means for processing feelings, reactions, and self-discoveries throughout the intervention. As a homework assignment, group members were asked to record their feelings and reactions related to the session and to record "How I feel about being known as a lesbian." (Group members had the opportunity at the beginning of each session to share their journal assignment from the previous session. …