Helping gay fathers come out to their children

J Homosex. 1987;14(1-2):213-22. doi: 10.1300/J082v14n01_16.

Abstract

This paper describes the treatment of seven gay fathers who were concerned about revealing their sexual identity to their children. A time-limited group was established for the purpose of developing strategies to help them past this juncture in their development as gay men. Role playing of specific situations was the modality chiefly employed. Discussions of the effects of internalized homophobia were also held. At the conclusion of the group (eight sessions) all participants rated the experience as "highly useful." Follow-up data are presented at 6 months.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Father-Child Relations*
  • Gender Identity*
  • Homosexuality*
  • Humans
  • Identification, Psychological*
  • Male
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Social Support