Is Coming Out Always a “Good Thing”? Exploring the Relations of Autonomy Support, Outness, and Wellness for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

Abstract

Prior research suggests that, on average, disclosing sexual identity (being “out”) yields wellness benefits for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. LGB individuals vary, however, both in how much they disclose their sexual orientation in different social contexts and in the experiences that follow from disclosure. The present research examines this within-person variation in disclosure and its consequences as a function of the autonomy supportive versus controlling character of social contexts. LGB individuals rated experiences of autonomy support and control in the contexts of family, friends, coworkers, school, and religious community, as well how “out” they were, and their context-specific self-esteem, depression, and anger. Findings from multilevel modeling revealed that LGB individuals were more likely to disclose in autonomy supportive contexts. Additionally, whereas disclosure was associated with more positive well-being in autonomy supportive contexts, in controlling contexts it was not. Practical and research implications are discussed.

Gay men's experiences coming out online: A qualitative study

“…Specifically, participants discussed concerns of general disapproval, hurting others, losing friendships, and others' questioning of their decision to disclose. These concerns mirror those of gay men who come out using declarative statements in person (i.e., negative reactions, judgment, stigmatization, or rejection; Legate et al, 2012).…”

Sexual Disclosure among College Students in the American Deep South: Toward a “Sexuality as Structure” Approach

“…For many GLB individuals, sexual disclosure or "coming out of the closet" remains central to developing a positive sexual identity [16,17]. However, disclosure also affirms heterosexuality, because when someone claims a GLB identity in a heteronormative society, heterosexuality is being acknowledged as the expected and dominant sexuality [16,18].…”

“…While it is eased in a supportive context [17], intersections of sex, race/ethnicity, age, religion, and geography complicate disclosure [8,26]. For example, sex-based differences in resources have historically privileged men's abilities to live outside of heterosexuality while limiting women's opportunities to do the same, so much so that "gayness" has usually been defined by white, middle class men [16,[27][28][29].…”

Discrimination and Perceived Stress in Sexual and Gender Minorities: Self-Esteem As a Moderating Factor

“…The decision to disclose sexual orientation is sometimes referred to as the decision to come out (Legate, Ryan, & Weinstein, 2012). The term coming out is adapted from the term coming-out party, in reference to the formal presentation of a debutante to society (Coming out, 2004).…”