A qualitative analysis of adult children's advice for parents coming out to their children

Abstract

Lesbian and gay individuals have few resources to which they can turn when seeking advice for disclosing their sexual orientation to their children. For practitioners, there is also a lack of empirical research that can guide their work with such clients. In this exploratory study, 20 adults who remember a parent coming out as lesbian or gay were interviewed about the process surrounding their parents’ revelation. We asked participants to reflect on their own experiences and offer advice for parents who are preparing to come out. Participants identified several suggestions for parents before, during, and following their disclosures. The results offer a starting point for practitioners who wish to aid lesbian and gay parents in their coming-out conversations with their children.