Family talk about sexuality with women who have sex with women (WSW)

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar I
  In Paper Session: Families-of-origin, GLBTQ individuals, and same-sex couples: Exploring stability and change

Abstract

Sexual health is framed by cultural, political, and relational factors. While attention has been paid to sexual talk and messages about sexuality within families, little research has examined sexual health communication aimed at or engaged in by women who have sex with women (WSW) and their families. There is a misconception among WSW, health providers, and the public in general that WSW’s relatively low rates of STIs and low risk for STI transmission from female to female sexual contact, makes it unnecessary to address safer sex practices among WSW. Homophobia and ignorance also contribute to difficulty with communication about sexual health and identity issues in families. In fact, WSW are still at risk for many serious STIs that have long-term health consequences, such as HPV, which can be easily transmitted through female to female sexual contact. Further, most WSW have either a history or current practice of having sex with men, therefore increasing their risk of STI contraction and transmission beyond that which would be expected of a women who exclusively has sex with women. Therefore, more research attention needs to be paid to WSW and their sexual health. This study uses in-depth interviews with WSW to examine messages about sexuality and sexual health within families. We discuss the implications for family communication about sexual health and identity issues.

Author

• Sandra Faulkner, Bowling Green State Univ