Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Purpose: The visibility and societal acceptance of homosexuality have undergone significant transformations within the last half-century, presenting new and different opportunities and constraints in the lives of lesbian and bisexual women (Rosenfeld, 1999; Rothblum, 2000). Historically, bisexual women have not garnered the same degree of visibility and acceptance as lesbians, due in part to the still popular belief that sexual orientation is dichotomously defined as either hetero- or homosexual (Rust, 2002). Researchers have largely reinforced that dichotomy by either excluding or merging with groups of lesbians (or gay men) any data obtained from respondents who self-identify as bisexual (Lee & Crawford, 2007; Rust, 2002). Consequently, much remains unknown about the challenges and experiences faced by bisexual women and how they may differ from those of lesbians (Bradford, 2006; Hartman, 2005). For example, differences in the identity development process of lesbian and bisexual women have been suggested but research confirming such differences is limited (Bradford, 2004; Rust, 1997; 2002). Data from the Women's Health Identity and Lifetime Development (WHILD) study is used to examine and compare the identity development experiences of lesbian and bisexual women. Method: Participants were recruited using a broad range of strategies that included efforts specifically targeted to racial/ethnic minorities and other hard-to-reach women. Eligibility was limited to self-identified lesbian or bisexual women who were English speaking and 18-years-old or older. A group of 160 racially (59% white, 26% Black, 12% Hispanic, 4% other) and age diverse (range: ages18 to 68 years; mean = 37.4 years) women volunteered to participate. The WHILD questionnaire, which included more than 200 questions about various aspects of women's health, identity, relationships, and alcohol or other drug use, was administered individually in face-to-face interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Data pertaining to identity development, relationships, and current levels of identity disclosure and internalized homophobia are evaluated and compared. Results: The average ages at which women first decided and first disclosed their sexual identity, and initiated their first same-sex committed relationship, did not differ across identity groups. Marked variability was found between groups in the reported ages at which women first became aware they might be lesbian or bisexual, in the number and gender of lifetime sexual partners, in their disclosure of sexual identity to family members and non-family groups, and in levels of internalized homophobia. Lesbians experienced sexual identity awareness at significantly earlier ages than bisexual women and reported being “out” to significantly more family members and individuals within non-family groups. Bisexual women reported significantly higher levels of internalized homophobia than lesbians. Implications for practice: Extant models of lesbian identity development provide little practical guidance as to how women who self identify as bisexual successfully negotiate the identity development process. Bisexual women may experience more fluidity in that identity and greater reluctance to disclose [sexual] identity information with health and mental health care providers. Social workers need to be cognizant of differences that exist between lesbian and bisexual women if they are to effectively respond to the unique experiences and needs of each group.