Table of Contents
List of boxes viii
Introduction: how to read and use this book xi
What's in this book? xi
Pedagogical features of the book xiii
Our approach xvi
Who we are xvii
Acknowledgements xviii
Section I History, contexts and debates in LGBTQ psychology 1
1 Introducing LGBTQ psychology 3
What is LGBTQ psychology and why study it? 3
The scientific study of sexuality and 'gender ambiguity' 6
The historical emergence of 'gay affirmative' psychology 12
Struggling for professional recognition and challenging heteronormativity in psychology 18
2 Key debates and perspectives 25
Social constructionism versus essentialism 26
Liberalism versus radicalism 35
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and feminism 38
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and queer theory 40
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and critical psychology 44
The relationship between LGBTQ psychology and positive social change 47
3 Doing LGBTQ psychological research 52
Research methods and approaches 52
Issues in doing LGBTQ psychological research 64
Section II Understanding social marginalisation in LGBTQ lives 79
4 Diversity 81
Understanding diversity in LGBTQ communities 81
Gender 83
Bisexuality 86
Trans and queer 88
Social class 90
Race 92
Organised religion and spirituality 94
Rural life 97
Ability 98
5 Prejudice and discrimination 103
Sexuality and gender identity prejudice in context 103
Sexuality and gender identity prejudice as anti-LGBTQ attitudes and behaviours 104
Sexuality and gender identity prejudice as social marginalisation 116
6 Health 125
What is LGBTQ health? 125
Sexual health 128
Mental health 134
Physical health 140
Section III LGBTQ experiences across the lifespan 149
7 Young people, coming out and identity development 151
Young people, sexuality and gender identity 151
Models of LGBTQ identity development 153
Sexual fluidity 159
Disclosure to family and friends 162
LGBTQ young people in school 165
Exploring identity and finding a community 169
8 Relationships 173
Legal recognition of same-sex relationships 173
Comparing same-sex and different-sex relationships 177
Sexual practices 181
Beyond the normative couple 185
9 Parenting and family 194
Paths to parenthood for LGBTQ people 194
Comparing lesbian-, gay- and trans-headed families with heterosexual-headed families 199
Moving away from a 'proving otherwise' agenda 207
Looking inside LGBTQ families 211
10 Ageing and old age 216
Age, ageing and ageism in LGBTQ communities 216
Styles of ageing 225
Issues in health and social care in old age 227
Bereavement and death 230
Conclusion 239
11 The future of LGBTQ psychology 241
Beyond the 'usual suspects' 241
Intersectionality and privilege 245
Applications of LGBTQ psychology 248
Future directions 253
Glossary 257
Additional resources 272
References 278
Index 321
