ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses relationships in the lives of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals, between parents and children, family members, romantic partners, and friends. It provides a wide variety of LGBTQ relationships across the lifespan. The chapter deals with the concept of "attachment," to illustrate the cumulative nature of relationships and the influences within each developmental period. It describes the ways parents and peers influence the development of relationships, especially in childhood. The chapter augues on work relationships and the capacity to build relationships outside of the typical developmental path. It discusses the acronyms like LGB and LGBT are used with care to denote only those identities included in the particular research study. Although most LGBTQ people have good mental health and cope well with life's challenges, LGBTQ people are at greater risk for certain mental health problems and mental health-related issues—such as drug and alcohol abuse, sexual risk taking, and attempted suicide.
