Normative Passing in the Lesbian Community

Abstract For the lesbian community, “passing” behaviors once accepted as necessary, protective and resilient have been receiving less support. This study explores the context for “passing” behaviors and challenges the negative assumptions currently associated with it, asking whether passing is viewed as normative or as an indication of unresolved identity. A sample of 40 adult, white study participants were interviewed about their identity management strategies and the contexts in which they used them. All had “passed” at some time in their lives, and the overwhelming majority (73%) viewed passing as perfectly understandable in specific circumstances in our heterosexist, homophobic society. Implications of the findings for social work practice are discussed.