Outness and relationship satisfaction in same‐gender couples

Abstract

Self-disclosure of sexual orientation, or outness, is a fundamental feature of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) experience, yet little is known about how outness impacts same-gender relationship satisfaction. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews with 15 same-gender couples, the complexities of navigating a stigmatized identity in a homonegative society emerged, including (a) characteristics of outness, (b) the influence of coupling on an individual's outness, and (c) the impact of outness on same-gender relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest that for GLB persons, outness is a developmental skill, an expression of identity and values, as well as a resilience strategy for managing discrimination and gay-related stress that influences, though does not singularly determine, relationship satisfaction. Implications for clinical practice and future research suggestions are presented.

Exploring the Role of Being Out on a Queer Person's Self-Compassion

“…Participants in studies have identified that being out has improved their romantic relationships (Knoble & Linville, 2012;LaSala, 2000), with Clausell and Roisman (2009) citing that having both partners in a relationship being out at the same level is important. Living openly as a couple was cited as a primary factor in the success of a relationship, according to LaSala (2000), specifically being able to live openly among partners' families.…”

“…As more people identify as members of the queer community, considerable research has been conducted into the effects of such identification (Knoble & Linville, 2012;LaSala, 2000;Mohr, Selterman, & Fassinger, 2013;Orne, 2012;Rosario, Hunter, Maguen, Gwadz, & Smith, 2001;Yarhouse, 2001). Even as more people begin to be open regarding their sexual orientation, many still choose to not reveal.…”

Coming Out and the Potential for Growth in Sexual Minorities: The Role of Social Reactions and Internalized Homonegativity

“…There are several social factors that may affect not only the decision to come out (Knoble & Linville, 2012), but also the possible outcomes of disclosure (Legate, Ryan, & Weinstein, 2012).…”

“…For example, Morris, Waldo, and Rothblum (2001) successfully tested a model indicating that greater outness leads to reduced psychological distress, which leads to reduced suicidality. In addition to direct effects of coming out on stress and happiness (Corrigan et al, 2009), it is also likely that coming out may indirectly effect wellbeing through its impact on familial, personal, and intimate relationships (Knoble & Linville, 2012;Tasker, Barrett, & De Simone, 2010). At the same time, disclosing one's identity and "coming out of the closet" can be a difficult process, and many LGBs fear losing friends or family (Grov, Bimbi, Nanín, & Parsons, 2006).…”

Outness among LGBTQ Social Work Students in North America: The Contribution of Environmental Supports and Perceptions of Comfort

“…Compared to privately remaining 'closeted' or not disclosing one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity, outness refers to the more public openness and expressiveness of such identities. Knoble and Linville (2012) describe outness as an important concept and core experience for members of the LGBTQ community. Evans and Broido (1999) examined contextual factors that influence the coming out experience, citing the level of perceived risk that may include physical or emotional harm, victimization, bullying or rejection from family, friends or faculty members, as a direct influence upon identity openness.…”