Lesbian and bisexual women (LBW) engage in a process of Managing the Conversation about revealing their sexual orientation during health care encounters.

Before a health care encounter, LBW have a conversation within themselves about whether or not to reveal their sexual orientation.

One of 3 interactions can occur during the encounter related to a discussion of sexual orientation: not starting the conversation, starting the conversation, and having the conversation started for you.

The conversations that ensued, related to sexual orientation, were perceived by participants as awkward, frustrating, or traumatic or, alternatively, helpful and supportive.