Becoming a stepparent in gay/lesbian stepfamilies: Integrating identities

Lesbians and gays who become stepparents undergo a series of identity transitions. Previous models typically used to describe gay and lesbian identity formation lack attention to later life transitions. I argue that these models provide little understanding of the experiences of lesbians and gays who integrate their lesbian/gay identity with a stepparent status. This transition is more complex than that experienced by either their partners (previously married biological parents) or by heterosexual stepparents. (c) 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.