Lesbian Epiphanies: Women Coming Out in Later Life (Paperback)

~ Karol Jensen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As Karol Jensen's study makes clear, the transition from marriage to lesbian identity signifies a vital kind of individuation, encompassing many layers of self-experience, not simply sexual. Jensen's lucid writing brings to life the changes these women experience, adding a vital (and neglected) piece to the story of contemporary women's lives. Her work offers both insight and analysis that will be helpful to psychotherapists, women's studies' scholars, and any woman interested in this transition. -- Beverly Burch, PhD, private practice; author, Other Women: Lesbian Bisexual Experience & Psychoanalytic Views of Women

"This book not only fills a notable gap in our understanding of those women who come out as lesbians later in life, but also makes a highly significant contribution to theories of sexual orientation development. The interweaving of these women's stories, sexuality theories, and feminism is an exciting and rewarding approach to research in women's and gender studies." -- Michael W. Ross, PhD, MPH, Professor of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston, Texas. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Exploring identity development and gender orientation, Lesbian Epiphanies: Women Coming Out in Later Life contains firsthand information about the experiences and difficulties of women who discover and reveal their newfound lesbian sexuality in later life. Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and professors will find that Lesbian Epiphanies is the first book to extensively quote from interviews of lesbians and bisexuals who had entered into heterosexual marriages. From the analysis of these 24 interviews, the psychological, erotic, and social processes of women who come out as lesbians or bisexuals after a heterosexual marriage are clearly explained so you can better assist your clients throughout this coming-out process. Discussing the personal and societal standards which clouded early self-awareness for these women, Lesbian Epiphanies lifts the veil of confusion to clearly illuminate the issues at hand to assist you in understanding and helping your clients.

From the case studies in this important book, you will learn how some women came to realize their same gender attractions and the barriers they faced, including negative attitudes toward lesbian women and the lack of strong role models. Helpful and informative, Lesbian Epiphanies explores the development of sexual identity in women in the Unites States today and provides you with essential information to help you improve your services to lesbian and bisexual clients by:

• examining how the role of marriage in American culture stifles a woman’s self-awareness of her sexuality in order to help clients avoid the mistake of a heterosexual marriage before husbands and children are involved
  
• examining reasons behind the lack of valuable sexual information in America that limits a woman’s general awareness of herself, her body, her sexuality, and her life options
  
• understanding the challenges that lesbians and bisexuals experience when attempting to establish their true identities to assist your clients in overcoming these barriers
  
• suggesting support groups for clients who are having a difficult time becoming used to the ideas and feelings of some same gender attractions
  
  This insightful book knocks down the sociological and psychological barriers that keep women from realizing or acknowledging their real sexual orientation by dispelling societal and cultural myths about what it means to be a woman in the United States. Offering you invaluable advice on how to help clients effectively and happily live with their new identities, Lesbian Epiphanies provides solutions to the challenges that women experience in establishing their other-than-heterosexual orientation in a heterosexist society.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (June 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560239646
• ISBN-13: 978-1560239642
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #539,524 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 126 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm so glad to know that I am not alone..., January 17, 2000

By A Customer

Karol Jensen managed to communicate and clearly explain the life transformation that I experienced around the same age. I was married for over twenty years when I discovered that I experience my most happiest moments when I was in the company of other women. When I turned 40, I went through a major metomorphisis - realizing that what I truly wanted, my husband was not capable of giving me, and until I read this book, I had feelings of guilt for wanting to be with a woman. But discovering that the signs were there for many years, even as an adolescent, I have finally accepted my self, and I encourage any middle age woman who is struggling with this problem to read this book, and pray, and know that God does not make any mistakes, He wants us to be happy. And if its a woman that will bring that happiness, then don't waste another minute..GO FOR IT!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to understand Lesbianism - Read this book!!, April 28, 2005

By	Ellen Morrison "BowzerBird" (Sequim WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lesbian Epiphanies deserves MORE than 5 stars!! The best book out there on understanding WHY some women come out late in life. I being one of them came out in my later years and wondered WHY I missed not coming out earlier. This book from the 25 life studies explains why. It seems we all have [almost] the same or similar stories and making the discovery of being a Lesbian and understanding WHY I was born this way, as I know I was having loved women ALL my life, it just takes a little *push* to finally go over the edge of society's regulations and come out - OUT & PROUD.

Ya all have to read this book, it's a *winner* fo sho!! And for all you *HET* folks, this is a great read if you want to appreciate where we are coming from and where we are going. I found out it is NOT a life style BUT a way of life, a persona, my authentic self. Be proud of WHO YOU ARE and don't hide behind the *mask* of deception.

Contact me if you want. Would love to hear from other Lesbians who have read this book or who are interested in possibly reading it!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Treatise on Older Lesbians, November 4, 2006

By	Messed Up Old Broad (Midwest) - See all my reviews

This read like a doctoral treatise; I would like to have had it in plainer, everyday language!