| This study utilized Amedeo Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method to explore and display the lived experience of fundamental Christian mothers whose lesbian daughters had come-out to them. This approach allowed these women to voice their emotional and behavioral responses in an uninterrupted, free associate manner.;Three women who identified themselves as fundamental Christians were asked the question, "Describe with as much detail as possible what it was like for you when your daughter came-out to you." The women participated in telephone interviews.;The results of the descriptive phenomenological study produced five themes common to their experiences: (a) P, a devout Christian, experiences shock and disbelief upon knowledge of her daughter's lesbian identity. Knowing how homosexuality is viewed in a negative light by many Christians, and is mainly a choice, adds more shock to the experience; (b) P receives the information directly from her daughter, which starts an evolving and transforming relationship; (c) P experiences tension between certain Christian attitudes and the strength of the mother-daughter bond; (d) P is exposed to different types of the lesbian world while simultaneously experiencing different aspects of the Christian community; (e) P experiences a better understanding and partial acceptance of her daughter's lesbian identity. |
