The Intergenerational Family Relationships of Grandparents and GLBQ Grandchildren

Overview

Journal J GLBT Fam Stud

Date 2010 Sep 25

PMID 20865130

Citations 3

Authors

Kristin S Scherrer

Affiliations

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Abstract

This paper describes the intergenerational family relationships of grandparents and GLBQ grandchildren. Reviewing empirical research on GLBQ family of origin relationships that include materials on grandparent-GLBQ grandchild relationships, this paper examines, 1) disclosure patterns with grandparents, 2) social expectations that exist about "coming out" to grandparents, 3) social expectations of GLBQ grandchildren when "coming out" to grandparents, 4) the mediating role of parents and other extended family in grandparent-GLBQ grandchild relationships, and 5) theorizing differences amongst grandparent-GLBQ grandchild relationships. This review indicates that grandparents have been overlooked in existing empirical research in research on GLBQ family relationships. Grandparents may be a unique source of support for younger GLBQ individuals and their parents. Future research may usefully incorporate grandparents, as well as other extended family members, to better understand the experience of "coming out" in families.

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