Friendship in the Lives of Gay Men and Lesbians

Abstract

Results from a survey of 283 gay men and lesbians contradict some of the findings of earlier research on gender differences in same-gender friendships. Data from a variety of scales and items indicate that, while gay males and lesbians value casual, close and best friendships equally (similar to research findings on heterosexual men and women), their definitions and enactments of friendship also were similar (unlike other research which supports differences along gender lines). However, some gender differences did persist in the ways gay men and lesbians dealt with conflict and sexuality within friendships. The implications of considering sexual orientation and gender in the study of friendship are discussed in terms of theoretical, methodological and socio-political issues.

Individual and Community Resilience Factors Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer and Questioning Youth and Adults in Israel

“…A family of choice typically provides one with long-term support, intimacy, and a safe space in which to discuss and share one's emotional, social, and sexual experiences (Malley and Tasker 2007). A family of choice can also facilitate one's connectedness to the broader LGBTQ community (Nardi and Sherrod 1994), thereby alleviating the sense of loneliness. As we found in the present study, a growing line of research has shown that connectedness to the broader LGBTQ community serves as a protective factor against minority stress when dealing with one's internalized homophobia and victimization (DiPlacido 1998;Kertzner et al2009).…”

Women’s Close Friendships across Sexual Orientation: A Comparative Analysis of Lesbian-Heterosexual and Bisexual-Heterosexual Women’s Friendships

“…These "passionate friendships" may or may not include a sexual dimension. In addition, lesbian women, when asked about their friendships, count lovers and ex-lovers among their close friends (Clunis & Green, 2000;Nardi & Sherrod, 1994;Weinstock, 1998).…”

Narrative, psychology and the politics of sexual identity in the United States: from ‘sickness’ to ‘species’ to ‘subject’

“…Walters & Simoni, 1993) and friendship (e.g. Nardi & Sherrod, 1994). The critical problem in all of this research -probably most clearly evident in the relevance of knowledge on sexual risk behaviour produced in this era on sexual practices among men todayis that notions of sexual identity and behaviour were frozen in time and place.…”