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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Smith College

2011

Lesbian

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Impact Of The Gender Binary On Gender Nonconforming Females' Lives And Psyches Over Time : An Exploratory Study, Samantha Mayne Miller Aug 2011

The Impact Of The Gender Binary On Gender Nonconforming Females' Lives And Psyches Over Time : An Exploratory Study, Samantha Mayne Miller

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of the systematically imposed gender binary on the lives and psyches of gender non-conforming females over time. To pursue this qualitative research, I conducted single, exploratory, hour-long interviews with eight gender nonconforming females aged 59 years and older. The interviews touched upon many themes including the multiple ways participants' identify their gender, sex, and sexuality (and the developmental trajectory of each); how each participant relates to notions of the gender binary; participants' experiences as gender nonconforming young people, or "tomboys"; ways that families, institutions and the general public have performed …


The Lies That Bind : Heteronormative Constructions Of "Family" In Social Work Discourse, Cassie Maude Peterson Jan 2011

The Lies That Bind : Heteronormative Constructions Of "Family" In Social Work Discourse, Cassie Maude Peterson

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The social work profession has a long, enduring history and commitment to American families, and has often led the way in embracing alternative family arrangements. Gay and lesbian families are gaining more political visibility and lobbying for the rights and protections from which they were previously excluded. Therefore, this study is an analysis of social work's contemporary, defining representations of gay and lesbian families. Twelve, gay and lesbian "family" research studies were culled from the database, Social Work Abstracts, and subjected to queer discourse analysis in order to illuminate how these alternative family forms are being constructed within the discipline …


Exploring The Experiences Of Lesbian Couples Using Fertility Services, Sarah Caitlin Williams Jan 2011

Exploring The Experiences Of Lesbian Couples Using Fertility Services, Sarah Caitlin Williams

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative study explores the experience of lesbian couples that have used, are using, or attempted to use fertility services since 2003. Thirty-three self identified lesbian women who were in a lesbian relationship at the time of using fertility services participated in the study by completing an online survey consisting of primarily open ended questions. Demographic information such as age and race were asked about both member of the couple.. Findings were analyzed using content analysis. Participant narratives revealed the complexities, challenges, successes, supports relied upon and obstacles encountered when using fertility services; as well as the strength and resiliency …