Manodori C
J Homosex. 1998;36(2):41-58. doi: 10.1300/J082v36n02_04.
This study was undertaken to examine the ways in which ritual helps affirm lesbian identity. The study explored two types of rituals commonly used among lesbians: commitment ceremonies and baby naming or child dedication ceremonies. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with lesbians who had participated in rituals which they perceived as affirming to their identities. The major findings showed that the respondents were in significant agreement that their rituals helped solidify lesbian identity through the confrontation of internalized and external homophobia. Subjects reported that this process subsequently fortified them in their daily battles against oppression. Of further significance, the respondents all specified that in several ways, their ritual helped provide balance and establish equilibrium between the many disparate experiences that result from living in a homophobic society. Implications will specify ways that therapists can use ritual as a tool in helping lesbian clients solidify and affirm their identities.
本研究旨在探讨仪式帮助确认女同性恋身份的方式。该研究考察了女同性恋者中常用的两种仪式类型：承诺仪式和婴儿命名或孩子奉献仪式。对六名参与过她们认为对其身份有确认作用的仪式的女同性恋者进行了深度访谈。主要研究结果表明，受访者高度一致地认为，她们的仪式通过对抗内化的和外部的恐同症，有助于巩固女同性恋身份。受访者报告称，这一过程随后在她们日常与压迫的斗争中增强了她们的力量。更重要的是，受访者都明确表示，在几个方面，她们的仪式有助于在生活在恐同社会中产生的诸多不同经历之间提供平衡并建立均衡状态。研究意义将具体说明治疗师可以如何将仪式作为一种工具，来帮助女同性恋客户巩固和确认她们的身份。
