The medical literature about homosexuality and mental health is expanding; however, a paucity of research about lesbian mental
health remains. No research about lesbian perinatal depression has been published. This paper highlights the heterosexism
that perpetuates research and health care disparities between heterosexual and lesbian/gay/bisexual individuals. We acknowledge
barriers that distance lesbian women from research and health care, and emphasize the importance of moving beyond these barriers
to fill in gaps of knowledge about the specific health care needs of this minority population. We use an analysis of stress
factors as a framework to generate hypotheses about perinatal depression in lesbian women. We conclude with suggestions for
future study in the form of questions that should be asked and pursued in research.
Keywords: Lesbian; pregnancy; depression.