Lesbian FLEX-ibility

F riend and/or F amily Connections Among L esbian Ex -Lovers

Bibliographic Data

ID12459239
AuthorsJacqueline S Weinstock (University of Vermont, corresponding author)
Year2004
Volume8
Issue3-4
Pages193-238
Publication date2004-10-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Lesbian Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1089-4160 • E-ISSN: 1540-3548
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j155v08n03_30
PMID24821051
OpenAlexW1516193888
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited56

Lesbian ex-lover relationships have frequently been noted as unique phenomena, yet they have received little empirical or theoretical attention. In this article, the available literature on lesbian ex-lovers is examined, as are possible factors and/or motivations among lesbians for maintaining ties with ex-lovers, and especially for constructing close friend and/or family connections among lesbian ex-lovers-what the author calls FLEX relationships. Three main types of factors/motivations are identified: (a) those that reflect a problematic developmental perspective, (b) contextual influences (such as lesbians' oppression as lesbians and women, socialization as girls and women, and the tendency for same-sex friendships), and (c) constructive challenges to traditional relational forms, family patterns and/or adult development models that offer alternative models for adult lives and relationships. Finally, the author considers the importance of attending to the ex-lover relational form and future directions this attention might take, closing with consideration of the implications for all of us-whatever our sexualities and gender identities-that may be drawn from telling constructive stories of friend/family relationships among lesbian ex-lovers

Constructive · FLEX · Human sexuality · Lesbian · Oppression · Perspective (graphical · Politics · Process (computing · Socialization · Sociology · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology