Out, But Not Free: A Systematic Review of the Emotional Challenges of Coming Out in the LGBTQI+ Community through the Lens of Minority Stress Theory
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-8457/19291Keywords:
coming-out challenges, LGBTQI+ mental health, minority stress, stigma, family rejection, intersectionalityAbstract
This study investigates the emotional challenges experienced by LGBTQI+ individuals during the coming-out process. The coming-out experience is often regarded as a personal journey, but it is significantly influenced by psychological and social stressors, such as discrimination, stigma, and fear of rejection. These factors can create emotional turbulence, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or a lack of self-acceptance, which can persist even after the coming-out process. The study uses minority stress theory as a framework to understand how external societal stressors, like societal rejection and discrimination, and internal stressors, such as internalised stigma, shape the emotional experience of coming out. The review systematically examines 103 academic and non-academic sources to explore key themes related to the emotional challenges of coming out. The main themes identified include family rejection, self-identity struggles, social stigma, and cultural influences, particularly how family and societal expectations affect emotional well-being. Additionally, the study explores how intersectionality, understood here as the overlapping of different identity factors such as culture, religion, and gender identity, influences the emotional challenges experienced by participants. However, intersectionality is not employed as a theoretical framework in this study; rather, it is used as a conceptual lens to highlight the complexity of participants’ lived experiences. The findings suggest that coming out is not only about revealing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but also about navigating complex emotional terrain shaped by fear of rejection and societal marginalisation. The emotional challenges are exacerbated by family dynamics, cultural norms, and religious beliefs. However, the study also highlights the emergence of supportive communities and inclusive environments that can offer emotional resilience and coping strategies for individuals undergoing this process.
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