Paradoxes of Sexuality, Gay Identity, and the Closet

Abstract

In this project, I illustrate how eight premises of sexuality, gay identity, and the closet contribute to the existence of paradox, an interactional situation constituted by contradiction. I first outline the following premises: gay identity is (1) inextricably tied to the metaphor of the closet; coming out is necessary when gay identity (2) is invisible; the closet draws meaning (3) only in relation to heteronormative contexts; gay identity, as a (4) stigmatized identity, makes coming out a (5) potentially dangerous act; coming out is conceived of as a (6) necessary and important, (7) discrete and linear, (8) inescapable and ever-present process. I then use autoethnography to describe and analyze the lived experience of paradox in terms of these premises. I conclude by formulating ways a gay person can negotiate paradox in, and by way of, interaction.

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].…”

“…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]. Even so, by the 21 st century, more gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals are out the closet than ever before.…”

“…The closet has become "a strategy of accommodation and resistance which both reproduces and contests aspects of society organized around normative heterosexuality" [5]. Thus, the closet can be used as a safety measure for hiding from public and private prejudice, discrimination, and violence, but it also silences gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals [4,16,19]. So while the closet is a heteronormative tool used to control sexual minority group members [16], it is also a tool used by those same people to resist this control.…”

“…Thus, the closet can be used as a safety measure for hiding from public and private prejudice, discrimination, and violence, but it also silences gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals [4,16,19]. So while the closet is a heteronormative tool used to control sexual minority group members [16], it is also a tool used by those same people to resist this control. The closet is multifaceted, representing both protection and oppression, both opportunity and constraint.…”

“…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]. In addition, ethnic minority men have described discriminatory experiences in identifying as gay and participating in the gay community and from their community of origin as well [7][8][9]16,[30][31][32].…”