AbstractsWomens Studies

“LIVING LAVENDER”: LIFE IN A WOMEN’S COMMUNITY

by Stephanie M. True




Institution: Miami University
Department: Gerontology
Degree: Master of Gerontological Studies
Year: 2007
Keywords: Gerontology; mid-life lesbians; later-life lesbians; lesbian/bisexual community; family of choice; outness
Record ID: 1806693
Full text PDF: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1185808602


Abstract

Despite that the benefits afforded to lesbian/bisexual women through connection to a wider lesbian/bisexual community are well documented, what happens when this community is a residential community has received little attention. Thus, the purpose of this research was to document the characteristics and experiences of mature lesbian/bisexual women who reside in a gated women’s community. A survey was administered to full- and part-time residents to obtain information on characteristics of their families of origin, children and families of choice, degree of outness, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of residing and vacationing in a women’s community (N=94). Findings reveal diversity in participants’ family forms and relationships and their degrees of outness across different types of individuals. Further, findings suggest the importance of this community in providing avenues for identity expression, friendship and a sense of security in a supportive environment, despite inevitable conflict that inherently comes with sharing any confined space.