ABSTRACT
Existing research studies document significant challenges to bisexual and lesbian women's health, and suggest social connection may be protective. This study investigated how communities might contribute to bisexual and lesbian women's wellbeing. Interviews with 47 women suggest that community engagement could provide resources and social contact, enhancing women's confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. However, ensuring community support for well-being, requires actively choosing or creating an appropriate community, and rejecting those which are inappropriate. In some cases, it also demands negotiating or resisting community norms which conflict with women's well-being. …
