RESUMEN

In a study comparing lesbian and heterosexual women's response to newly diagnosed breast cancer, we compared data from 29 lesbians with 246 heterosexual women with breast cancer. Our hypotheses were that lesbian breast cancer patients would report higher scores of mood disturbance; suffer fewer problems with body image and sexual activity; show more expressiveness and cohesiveness and less conflict with their partners; would find social support from their partners and friends; and would have a poorer perception of the medical care system than heterosexual women. Our predictions regarding sexual orientation differences were supported for results regarding body image, social support, and medical care. There were no differences in mood, sexual activity or relational issues. Not predicted were differences in coping, indicating areas of emotional strength and vulnerability among the lesbian sample.

Asunto(s)

Adaptación Psicológica , Neoplasias de la Mama/psicología , Homosexualidad Femenina/psicología , Estrés Psicológico/etiología , Mujeres/psicología , Enfermedad Aguda , Adulto , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Femenino , Heterosexualidad/psicología , Humanos , Modelos Psicológicos , San Francisco

RESUMEN

SUMMARY Lesbians who do not follow the imperative of monogamous, live-in lovers with one other woman are seen as traitors, heretics, and generally fallen women. In a community that often demands conformity, we must find language that includes other ways of being. Thus the idea that luvbeins (a new word that means any or all or more of the following: those that love being, love lesbians, a play on the language for lesbian, a sexual loving woman loving) can become a permutation of the word so that sexually innovative lesbians have another way of communication about themselves. The real fear is always am I loved, am I lovable, can I love?