Recent studies indicate that the contemporary process of disclosing one’s LGBTQ2+ identity is fraught with conflicting emotions, influenced by increased visibility of the community as well as by societal pushback. These intricate experiences are shaped by factors such as generational divides, social events like Pride festivals, and the requirement for both institutional backing and wide-ranging cultural representation.
Amidst an era of unprecedented visibility for the LGBTQ2+ community juxtaposed with considerable societal opposition, the act of coming out has become an intrinsically ambivalent experience, as substantiated by new research.
A scholarly article in the journal Theory and Society, spearheaded by sociologists Dr. Amin Ghaziani and Andy Holmes, examined the personal narratives of 52 adults in Vancouver, focusing on their experiences of coming out within the last five years.
We engaged in a conversation with Dr. Ghaziani, a professor at the UBC Department of Sociology and the Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities, to discuss the study’s results.
Why the Focus on Recent Coming Out Experiences?
Coming out involves the revelation of one’s identity to others and is a continuous journey that occurs at varied intervals with different individuals.
In the late 20th century, specifically the 1980s and 1990s, coming out was often a monumental yet arduous act set against a backdrop of widespread homophobia. Fast forward to the 2000s and 2010s, the narrative evolved from a discourse of “struggle and success” to one of “emancipation,” as Western societies became generally more accepting. The process of coming out thus became less formalized and less burdened.
As of today, more than 4% of Canadians and 7.2% of American adults identify as LGBTQ2+, according to a 2022 Gallup poll. This is double the percentage from a decade ago when Gallup first collected data on sexual orientation.
However, despite advancements in policy on both sides of the border, we have witnessed considerable backlash, including a surge in anti-trans hate crimes in Vancouver and the introduction of 525 anti-LGBTQ2+ legislative bills in the United States just this year.
Our aim was to explore how these intersecting dynamics—both progressive and regressive—impact the modern experience of coming out.
What Were the Key Findings?
To put it succinctly, the experience is intricate. Neither the narratives of struggle and triumph nor that of liberation fully encapsulate the contemporary process of coming out. What we discovered was a pervasive sense of ambivalence.
One reason for this uncertainty stems from the perceptible generational differences among today’s youth. For instance, Hugh, a gay man of Chinese descent, observed contrasting attitudes between his easily accepting Gen Z peers and older colleagues who faced familial expulsion upon coming out. Hugh’s own experience was somewhere in the middle, lacking any sense of victory.
Pride events add to the complexity. Another participant, Silky, explained her difficulty in coming out during Pride season, feeling estranged despite living in an area where Pride events are abundant. Her identification as bisexual makes her feel like an outsider, particularly when she hears discriminatory remarks aimed at heterosexual couples attending Pride events.
What Measures Can Aid Those Intending to Come Out Today?
Most individuals navigate a nuanced terrain that lies between an open, liberal society and one marred by persistent prejudice and discrimination. This reality influences how one perceives their sexuality: it differentiates them but does not perpetually define them.
Regarding practical measures, institutional policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are indispensable for nurturing a supportive milieu. Additionally, in terms of cultural aspects such as media portrayal, there is a critical need for diversified voices so that the various modalities of coming out and identifying as LGBTQ2+ can be better understood and respected.
Reference: “Distinguishing but not defining: How ambivalence affects contemporary identity disclosures” by Amin Ghaziani, and Andy Holmes, published on 26 July 2023 in Theory and Society.
DOI: 10.1007/s11186-023-09521-8
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about coming out
What is the main focus of the article?
The article primarily focuses on the contemporary experience of coming out as an LGBTQ2+ individual. It draws on a study published in the journal Theory and Society, and examines how increased visibility of the LGBTQ2+ community, societal resistance, generational divides, and social factors like Pride events contribute to the complexity of coming out in today’s context.
Who conducted the study mentioned in the article?
The study was led by sociologists Dr. Amin Ghaziani and Andy Holmes. It was published in the academic journal Theory and Society.
What generational differences are discussed in relation to coming out?
The article mentions that younger generations, specifically Gen Z, often find it easier to come out and are met with greater acceptance. In contrast, older generations faced more extreme consequences, such as being thrown out of their homes. Individuals belonging to the millennial generation experience a mixture of these reactions.
How do Pride events affect the experience of coming out?
Pride events, while meant to be celebratory and inclusive, can add to the complexity of coming out. For instance, one of the respondents, Silky, feels like an outsider during Pride events because she identifies as bisexual and hears discriminatory remarks against straight couples.
What role do institutions play in supporting individuals who come out?
Institutions are pivotal in creating a supportive environment for those who come out. The article emphasizes the importance of having policies that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
What is the article’s conclusion about the contemporary experience of coming out?
The article concludes that the experience of coming out today is fraught with ambivalence and complexity. Neither the narratives of struggle and triumph nor that of liberation fully encapsulate what it is like to come out in the current social and cultural climate.
What is the reference for the study?
The study is titled “Distinguishing but not defining: How ambivalence affects contemporary identity disclosures” and was authored by Amin Ghaziani and Andy Holmes. It was published on 26 July 2023 in Theory and Society, with the DOI: 10.1007/s11186-023-09521-8.
More about coming out
- Theory and Society Journal
- 2022 Gallup Poll on LGBTQ2+ Identification
- Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities
- UBC Department of Sociology
- Anti-LGBTQ2+ Legislation in the U.S.
- Statistics on Anti-Trans Hate Crimes in Vancouver
