LGBT Families (Contemporary Family Perspectives (CFP))

Part of the SAGE Contemporary Family Perspective series, this book presents a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families today by drawing upon and making sense of the burgeoning scholarly literature about LGBT families from the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. It pays particular attention to how structures of race, class, gender, sexuality, and age shape LGBT families, and how members of such families negotiate the social landscapes within which they exist. The book will help readers better understand the formation, experiences, challenges, and strengths of LGBT families, and address two main questions: Why are new family forms so threatening to certain groups of people in society? and How are new family forms beneficial to the society in which they exist? Here is what author Nancy Mezey had to say in a recent interview: “LGBT people are creating families in a society that simultaneously demonizes and embraces them. With a desire to understand and perhaps deconstruct this rocky terrain, I decided to write LGBT Families, a comprehensive overview based on solid research so that readers can form their own opinions.” “This book stands in solidarity with all diverse family forms – families that developed out of particular social and economic contexts, and that contribute to the society around them, despite the hardships that some in society may level at them.” Part of the SAGE Contemporary Family Perspectives series, this book presents a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families today by drawing upon and making sense of the burgeoning scholarly literature about LGBT families from the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. It pays particular attention to how structures of race, class, gender, sexuality, and age shape LGBT families, and how members of such families negotiate the social landscapes within which they exist. The book will help readers better understand the formation, experiences, challenges, and strengths of LGBT families, and address three main questions: How and why do different family forms develop in particular social and historical contexts? Why are new family forms so threatening to certain groups of people in society? and How are new family forms beneficial to the society in which they exist? Key Features Covers families constructed around all four sexual and gender identities with in-depth coverage of the literature on gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people. Focuses not just on middle-class White families, but also on a diversity of families based on race, class, and age differences. The multitude of data and research serves as an example for how to make evidence-based arguments, rather than basing conclusions on beliefs or limited experiences. Global Boxes highlight the challenges and successes of LGBT families around the world. Includes suggested film, book, and Internet resources that explore issues raised in each chapter. Book jacket Nancy J. Mezeys LGBT Families presents a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of LGBT families today by drawing upon and making sense of the burgeoning scholarly literature about LGBT families from the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries. It pays particular attention to how structures of race, class, gender, sexuality, and age shape LGBT families, and how members of such families negotiate the social landscapes within which they exist. The book will help readers better understand the formation, experiences, challenges, and strengths of LGBT families, and addresses two main Why are new family forms so threatening to certain groups of people in society? and How are new family forms beneficial to the society in which they exist? Part Of The Sage Contemporary Family Perspective Series, This Book Presents A Comprehensive An Understanding Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender Families Today By Drawing Upon And Making Sense Of The Burgeoning Scholarly Literature About Lgbt Families From The Late Twentieth And Early Twenty-first Centuries. Lgbt Families -- Marriage -- Lgbt Parents -- Lgbt Youth -- Intimate Partner Violence -- Learning From Lgbt Families. Nancy J. Mezey, Monmouth University. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 175-204) And Index. LGBT FAMILIES-FRONT COVER......Page 1 LGBT FAMILIES......Page 2 CONTENTS......Page 6 SERIES PREFACE......Page 8 PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......Page 12 ABOUT THE AUTHOR......Page 16 CHAPTER 1: LGBT FAMILIES......Page 18 CHAPTER 2: MARRIAGE......Page 44 CHAPTER 3: LGBT PARENTS......Page 88 CHAPTER 4: LGBT YOUTH......Page 130 CHAPTER 5: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE......Page 158 CHAPTER 6: LEARNING FROM LGBT FAMILIES......Page 180 REFERENCES......Page 192 INDEX......Page 222