[Book Review] Lesbian and Gay Couples: Lives, Issues, and Practice.by Hunter, S.

Abstract

"One of the biggest strengths of this book is the use of past research to inform and define the unique issues that have been found to be important for lesbian and gay couples. Additionally, the demographic information presented in the introduction reveals the most current statistics that we have for this population. The author devotes chapters to couple relationship satisfaction, sexual intimacy, and breakups. She also addresses intimate partner violence, grief, and bereavement from the lens of lesbian and gay couples. The author aims to inform the intended reader of the differences and similarities between lesbian and gay couples and heterosexual couples on issues related to courtship, dating, and various approaches to having children. The intended readership for this book includes those individuals who want to better understand lesbian and gay couples and practitioners who work with them. The information presented specifically in chapters five and six gives the intended practitioner very good insight into important aspects from a psychosocial perspective when providing social services to this population. For instance, in chapters five and six, the author addresses points of social values and ethics with the importance of not assuming that all issues brought to lesbian and gay couple situations center on sexual orientation or identity."(pg 1)