Associations Among Lesbian Disclosure, Social Support, Depression and Demographic Variables

Strong associations were identified among disclosure, social support, and depression in a sample of 265 self-identified lesbians representing 33 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces. Social support was identified as a mediator and moderator between disclosure and depression and may protect against the consequences of disclosure or nondisclosure. Demographic variables, such as the age when the lesbian "came out" and the length of time since identifying as lesbian, provided support to the notion of the "expert lesbian"-one who senses, judges, and negotiates disclosure choices and consequences with finesse and success. Suggestions for health care providers are offered.