The impact and implications of two or more children identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) within the family system

Abstract

Thank you all so much for your flexibility and willingness to be on this journey with me. Your feedback and guidance throughout this entire process has been incredible and I will be sure to take your skills shown to me and pass it on to the next generation of students. To my wonderful family, thank you for supporting me through my academic journey the past decade. Your unconditional love, support and guidance throughout this process has made it barrable and memorable. I recognize that our family system isn't the most traditional out there and I am forever grateful for that. Taking a system, that on the surface seems "difficult" and/or "messy" to some and treating it like it's no other, made us the strong family we are today. I feel so fortunate enough to represent our family in research and have the opportunity to have other families like ours have a voice of relatability and significance to make this "different" family apart of the norm. Thank you to my partner who has been by my side as I stress, complain, and push through this journey. You make coming home feel just like that, a home. I could not have asked for a more supportive teammate throughout this process. You have never once complained about my hours missed or dates that had to be rescheduled because of work and this project. You have v always been understanding about this process along with patient and compassion. Thank you for accepting me even at times when I do not accept myself. To my fellow doctorate students who I shared this journey with, thank you for allowing me the space to truly be myself in an environment that seems to stray away from loud, sarcastic individuals like myself. Thank you for laughing at my jokes even when they weren't funny because that gave me the confidence and stamina to push on. I will continue be the man who you always hear before you see even on my worst of days. I could not have asked for better classmates, teachers, and friends. Your consistent support has continually made me feel appreciated and valued and for that I am forever grateful. When I would talk openly to others about being gay and also having a gay brother, I would get three responses: (a) "I didn't know that was a thing," (b) "Wow! What was that like? and (c) I know someone with that same kind of family!" So finally, thank you to the participants in this study. There is not much more that I can say to express my gratitude for your participation. This study could truly not be in existence without your willingness to share your stories and deepest family vulnerabilities. You not only helped me collect data for this study, but you also reminded me of the power of words and the significance of openness. I am grateful for the time you took out for your participation and the information that was shared.