DisplayWork: Lesbian Parent Couples and Their Families of Origin Negotiating New Kin Relationships

This article examines neglected aspects of coming out that arise for lesbian par-ents and for their families of origin and considers the ways in which these forms of coming out resonate with the concept of display work. It draws upon a study that examines the family lives of lesbian couples who had their first and subse-quent children in the context of their current relationship. Respondents identify having children as a point at which their own parents (and other members of their families of origin) are potentially called upon to negotiate new kin relationships. The lesbian parents ’ child may also be a grandchild, a nephew or niece, a cousin. I utilize the concept of display work to examine respondents ’ accounts about how they negotiate recognition and validation as a lesbian parent family with their family of origin and how their families of origin ‘come out ’ (or not) within their own social networks