Gay Male Adaptation in the Coming-Out Process

Abstract

Seventeen interviews were completed with self-identified gay men, with the goal of identifying a theory of adaption through the coming out process. A commonality through the identity-development process emerged, highlighting concerns of stigma and bias. The adaptation to participants’ perception of their local gay male communities played a large part in the identity development of participants. Participants cited instances of strictly adhering to gay stereotypes before they were able to coalesce their identities into a more “true” or solid self. Minority Stress Theory provided a way to discuss the results and interpret the data for use in applied settings.

KEYWORDS:

• gay
• qualitative research
• stereotypes
• coming out
• identity formation