Becoming “One of the Girls”: The Transition to Lesbian in Midlife

In the lesbian community, there are many women who entered same-sex relationships in midlife after previously identifying as heterosexual. This article reviews the state of knowledge regarding this unique group of women. Attention is given to the impact of this life-changing event on the woman; her relationships with family members and friends; her awareness of status-related oppression; and the process of becoming a cultural insider given her new identity. Suggestions are included for providing support to women who are undergoing the transition and for future research with this understudied population