The present study investigates benefits of cross-sexual orientation friends
hips in adolescent girls. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants in
close friendships pairs. Participants included 10 heterosexual, five lesbi
an and five bisexual individuals. Participants ranged in age from 19-25 at
the time of the interview and 12-23 at the onset of their friendship. Resul
ts of this study indicate that cross-sexual orientation friendships functio
n similarly in comparison to other friendships, and that issues of sexual o
rientation can impact friendship development in positive ways. Overall bene
fits of cross-sexual orientation friendships are discussed, as are benefits
that are unique to both heterosexual and lesbian/bisexual youth. (C) 2001
The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.