LE3 .A278 1998

1998

MacKinnon, David

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

Different experiences of family in the lives of bisexual, lesbian, and gay adults are explored in this thesis, which is based on data gathered from six participants, each of whom was interviewed twice. The sample was chosen with diversity in mind, and includes individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, and gay; one of whom is Mi'qmaq and one of whom is African-Canadian. In the first interview, family of origin experiences were the focus, leading to discussions about the process through which each individual's ideas about family were shaped. The second interview investigated the present-day experiences of family in the lives of each participant. The researcher/author's experience of family appears throughout the work, foregrounding the nature of her interest in this topic and providing the reader with the opportunity to see the questions and experiences that have informed the project. The thesis concludes with a call to counsellors and therapists to be aware of the depth and breadth of the diverse experiences of family among their bisexual, lesbian, and gay clients, and indicates several areas requiring further research. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3103