Using qualitative methodology, the current study investigated the experiences of 12 gay men in a range of mixed sexual orientation men's groups (MSOMGs). The results outlined several common themes. First, gay men discussed a range of salient life experiences, including heterophobia and feelings of distance from straight men, that influenced their perceptions, expectations, and concerns for group participation. Second, process comments suggested generally positive interventions from group leaders, with their "coming out" process described as either positive or neutral. Finally, gay men identified several benefits to group participation, including increased confidence coming out and decreased heterophobia and internalized shame. Results are discussed within the context of literature on men's friendships, masculinity frameworks, and group processes. Suggestions for future research and tentative clinical implications are also provided.

The current study presents the initial validation of a new 20-item measure of heterophobia, a construct frequently discussed but inadequately researched in the literature on gay men’s lives. This process included initial focus groups, exploratory and confirmatory national samples of gay men. The sample included measures of homophobia, rejection sensitivity, discrimination history, gay identity development, and social desirability to address convergent and discriminant validity. Results of an exploratory factor analysis yielded three meaningful factors: Disconnectedness, Expected Rejection, and Unease/Avoidance. These factors had significant positive associations with constructs such as rejection sensitivity, homonegativity, and previous experiences of gay-related discrimination, but were only weakly associated with gay identity development. Heterophobia factors had insignificant or negative correlations with social desirability. This factor structure was supported by the results of confirmatory factor analyses. Implications for future research and clinical practice, along with limitations, are provided.

The current study employed qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of 12 men who came out online, using Facebook. Analysis of coding data yielded several key themes. First, gay men discussed a range of experiences that influenced their online disclosure including homophobia, internalized homophobia, and previous salient sexual identity disclosures. Participants also commonly expressed a variety of goals and concerns about coming out online, including improving relationships and loss of friends. Finally, gay men identified several benefits to coming out on Facebook, including increased efficiency in coming out as compared to face-to-face disclosures, increased authenticity, and decreased ambiguity about their sexuality. Results are discussed within the context of literature on men's coming-out experiences, men and masculinity and online identity management.vi

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