Coming Out: The Lived Experiences of Bisexual Young Adults in Concealing their Sexual Orientation
Jushua S. Bolilan | Renalyn S. Gimutao | Aira Pauline S. Punongbayan | Michael M. Locsing
Discipline: counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy
Abstract:
Bisexuals make up the most significant
portion of the LGBTQ+ spectrum; yet, because of
misconceptions about LGBTQ+ identification and
behavior, bisexuals frequently endure discrimination,
rejection, and marginalization, forcing them to remain
in the closet. Moreover, compared to other members of
the LGBTQ+ community, there is a scarcity of in-depth
studies on bisexuality. Thus, this phenomenological
study aimed to describe and understand bisexual young
adults' lived experiences in concealing their sexual
orientation through the analysis of the challenges
experienced and coping mechanisms of bisexual young
adults in concealing their sexual orientation. The
researchers utilized Descriptive Phenomenology as a
research design. Further, six participants were recruited
through Purposive Sampling. Data were gathered using
Online Interviews and analyzed using Thematic
Analysis. Findings revealed that concealing one's sexual
orientation leads to isolation, uses of pretenses/
phoniness, inability to express true self, and have a
negative influence on mental health. The study also
found out that bisexuals chose not to come out because
of fear of rejection due to religious expectations, fear of
disappointing their family, fear of discrimination, and
society's lukewarm acceptance on LGBTQ+. Further,
the coping mechanisms utilized by bisexual young adults
to overcome these challenges are repressing thoughts
and emotions to maintain a safe psychological space;
being apathetic to bi-negativity; situationally concealing
to focus on significant others who genuinely support
them, and expressing their sentiments and concerns via
social media.
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