DEAR ABBY: I'm writing in response to the letter from the gay man who finally came out after many years of marriage and several children.
Abby, I can relate to the man's wife. A few years ago, my husband came out at the age of 45, when our daughter was 9 years old. It was very traumatic, but I discovered a support group for us, the spouses.
Amity Pierce Buxton, Ph.D., wrote a book I found very helpful. It's titled "The Other Side of the Closet: The Coming-Out Crisis for Straight Spouses and Families." She also coordinates support groups, and counsels spouses and ex-spouses of bisexual, gay and lesbian mates.
There is also an online support network: Straight Spouse Network at www.ssnetwk.org. It, too, is a lifesaver your readers should know about. -- SAN FRANCISCO SPOUSE
DEAR SPOUSE: Thank you for the information. I'm sure it will be of interest to the estimated 2 million straight spouses of bisexuals, gays and lesbians. Originally published in 1991, the book has now been expanded and revised.
Readers, if the book isn't available in your bookstore or the library, you can call the publisher, John Wiley & Sons Inc., at (800) 225-5945, for information on how to order a copy.