ABSTRACT
Stereotypes around lesbians include notions of their having masculine characteristics, looking and behaving "butch", and being "tomboys". Based in models of the development of positive racial identities, several theorists have proposed models describing the development of a positive lesbian or gay identity. C. Berkman and G. Zinberg describe a continuum of negative attitudes toward homosexuality, ranging from heterosexism to homophobia. The therapeutic relationship can provide a context for risking authentic expression of themselves. The development of health care in the United States as a patriarchy resulted in women's health issues receiving less attention and less research funding than men's health care issues. Viewing lesbian relationships from a feminist lens allows one to see the emphasis on connection as desirable and healthy, and as a sign of progression not regression. M. L. Garst identifies triangulation as one of the potential responses to fusion, in addition to emotional distance, unresolved conflicts, and physical or mental dysfunction.
