Coming out to parents: Perceptions of family relations, perceived resources, and identity expression as predictors of identity disclosure for gay andlesbian adolescents

This paper examines perceptions of family relations, identity expression, a nd pro-lesbian/gay resources as factors influencing coming out to parents. One hundred seventy-two adolescents responded to a survey originating from a clinical support group for lesbian and gay youth. Findings indicate that weak family relations significantly detract from coming out to parents indi rectly through identity expression and perceived resources. Excluding the e ffects of family relations, adolescents perceiving supportive resources and expressing their lesbian/gay identity were more likely to come out to pare nts.