Voices from the Hinterland

There is a lack of knowledge about lesbian women's lives and social experiences in Irish society. This study deals with the nature of being-in-the- world of health care: the nature of being lesbian women both as service users and orivuders as nurses working in the health care environment. In their day to day living, lesbian women know how to act, react and behave to exist within society. However, these taken-for-granted ways of understanding of being-in-the-world are brought to the forefront when lesbian women seek health care. For lesbian nurses, being-in-the-world of health care is to know that world both as health care professional and as lesbian women. The findings from this study suggest that some lesbian women go to great efforts to conceal their sexual identity. They curtail their behaviour, set up barriers to communication utilising protective devices to protect the self from exposure to Others. Lesbian nurses remain hidden, fearing the consequences of being discovered, which leads to feelings of isolation, loneliness and sadness.