ABSTRACT
The legal system in the United States is based on heterosexist assumptions which place gay men and lesbians in precarious positions when they face ill health or medical crises. This article discusses a number of these heterosexist assumptions and reviews some of the legal documents available to gay men and lesbians as a means to provide legal protection. While these legal documents are critical, they do not ensure that the wishes of gay men and lesbians will be honored if these wishes are challenged by family members. However, executing these legal documents is an important first step in honoring the wishes of gay men and lesbians. Changes in the laws which validate same sex relationships and give lesbian and gay couples the same legal protection and privilege as heterosexual marriage are mandatory. [Article copies available from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1–800-342–9678]
