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Cover -- Half Title -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- CONTENTS -- Preface and Acknowledgments -- Glossary -- Introduction: Coming to Terms -- Part I: Conceptual Frameworks -- 1. The (Uncertain) Meaning of Sexual Orientation -- 2. Heterosexuality, Gender, and Heterosexism/Homophobia -- Part II: Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Identity -- 3. The Question of Causation: Origins of Sexual Orientation -- 4. Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity: Stigma Management, Identity Formation, and Coming Out -- 5. Diversity and Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Identity: Intersecting Identities, Multiple Oppression -- 6. Lifespan Development and Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Identity -- Part III: Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Relationships -- 7. Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Families: Partners and Children -- 8. Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Communities -- Conclusion: Coming to Terms -- References -- Index

Psychology's approach to sexual orientation has long had its foundation in essentialism, which undergirds psychological theory and research as well as clinical practice and applications of psychology to public policy issues. It is only recently that psychology as a discipline has begun to entertain social constructivism as an alternative approach. Based on the belief that thoughtful dialogue can engender positive change, Conversations about Psychology and Sexual Orientation explores the implications for psychology of both essentialist and social constructionist understandings of sexual orienta