LGBTQ+ disclosure: challenges and possibilities.
This paper uses Ambiguous Loss Theory to explore the anticipatory and ambiguous losses and stressors surrounding the decision to come out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer. Purposive sampling was used to administer a survey to 429 individuals who identified as LGBTQ+ about their coming out decisions and experiences. Data were coded and three major themes were developed: (1) the need for psychosocial safety (fear of being disowned, shunned or abandoned); (2) experiences of anxiety, depression, emotional stress, and shame; and (3) the pursuit of authenticity, self-discovery and liberation. Findings from the study indicate that coming out for LGBTQ+ individuals in the twenty first century remains accompanied by challenges and fears, both before and after the process, which significantly affects individuals' health and safety. In the longer term, despite the challenges, stressors and losses identified by participants, most reported that disclosing their sexual orientation had greatly improved their health and mental well-being.
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Related Subject Headings
- Public Health
- 4405 Gender studies
- 4401 Anthropology
- 4206 Public health
- 2002 Cultural Studies
- 1608 Sociology
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Public Health
- 4405 Gender studies
- 4401 Anthropology
- 4206 Public health
- 2002 Cultural Studies
- 1608 Sociology
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services