Happy Together

Sharon S. Rostosky, PhD, completed her doctorate in counseling psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1998. She is a licensed psychologist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She joined the counseling psychology program at the University of Kentucky in 1999, where she is currently a professor and director of training. Her research, published in more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and presented in numerous workshops for professional and general audiences, focuses on minority stress and well-being in individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) and in same-sex couples. She was honored in 2010 with the APA Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology) Social Justice Award.   Ellen D. B. Riggle, PhD, is a professor in the departments of Gender and Women's Studies and Political Science at the University of Kentucky. She is the coeditor of Sexual Identity on the Job and Gays and Lesbians in the Democratic Process. She has also published more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. Dr. Riggle has conducted research, lectured, and presented workshops on the impact of stigma on sexual minorities, legal status issues for same-sex couples, and the importance of positive well-being for LGBTQ individuals.   Dr. Riggle and Dr. Rostosky's 2012 book A Positive View of LGBTQ: Embracing Identity and Cultivating Well-Being, was the winner of the APA Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity) Distinguished book award.   More information about the work of Dr. Riggle and Dr. Rostosky can be found on their website PrismResearch.org.  

Preface

Introduction

I. Family of Origin



Coming Out to Grandma
When the Family Rule Is "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Family Gatherings
Our Families, Ourselves
We Can Choose Our Family!
Warm Welcomes and Family Allies

II. Family of Creation



"You Aren't the 'Real' Parent"
When Bad Things Happen to Our Kids
"Ins and Outs" of Parenting
On the Lookout
"Are We Being Selfish?"
It Takes a Village, People!

III. Religion



"My Family Thinks Our Relationship Is an Abomination"
Looking for God in All the Wrong Places
True Confessions
Good Religion Gone Bad
Letting Our Light Shine
Finding Higher Ground

IV. Work



The Unfriendly Workplace
Cleaning Out the Work Closet
Testing the Waters at Work
Are You for Real?
Taking Pride to Work

V. Neighborhoods and Local Communities



Getting a Bad Deal
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Out on the Town
What Will the Neighbors Think?
It's a Beautiful Day in the Gayborhood

VI. Laws and Policies



Going to the Chapel
Stepping Out and Looking In
Good Help Is Hard to Find!
Yours, Mine, and Ours
Until All Are Equal

Conclusion: A Future Where We Thrive and Flourish

Additional Resources

Index

About the Authors