Benefits of cross-sexual orientation friendships among adolescent females

The present study investigates benefits of cross-sexual orientation friendships in adolescent girls. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants in close friendships pairs. Participants included 10 heterosexual, five lesbian 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. Results of this study indicate that cross-sexual orientation friendships function similarly in comparison to other friendships, and that issues of sexual orientation can impact friendship development in positive ways. Overall benefits 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.