From Shadows to Freedom: The Motivations for Sexual Orientation Disclosure
The previous article explored gender identities and gave us a glimpse of sexual orientation disclosure, as well as discussed the gap in the literature regarding the disclosure of LGBTQ+ parents through the lens of communication.
This next article then aims to narrate the numerous motivating factors that LGBTQ+ parents have that lead to living their lives proudly and disclosing their sexual orientation.
The Family Roots
The researchers have identified that the family unit is a motivator for sexual orientation disclosure. Thusly so, there are variety of factors relating to familial matters that motivated LGBTQ+ parents to disclose their sexual orientation.
Initially, the findings of the study indicated that LGBTQ+ parents viewed disclosure as a stepping stone towards maintaining a healthy relationship with their family and children since it allows them to openly express themselves.
The importance of family consideration in the Filipino context is frequently discussed in various literature (Choi et al., 2015; Cruz et al., 2001; Miralao, 1997), suggesting that it can be a relevant factor influencing sexual orientation disclosure for Filipinos.
Furthermore, the researchers also analyzed that experiences with family were a motivating factor. Hudak (2015) stated that past experiences can influence LGBTQ+ individuals’ willingness to disclose to others. Going hand in hand with the notion of the relevancy of family experiences as a motivation for disclosure, the study’s findings indicate that expectations placed on the family influenced the disclosure decisions of LGBTQ+ parents.
A family, already bonded together, is assumed to be able to understand their gender preferences. Supporting this, the research conducted by White et al. (2016) found that the expectation of supportive family reactions was strongly linked to disclosing one’s sexual orientation to family members, as such this lends to this finding of the study.
Trust also emerged as a key motivator for LGBTQ+ parents to disclose. Particularly, there was a focus on the level of trust between the individuals and the recipients of their disclosure. This aligned with existing literature which suggest that a sufficient level of trust and rapport enables LGBTQ+ individuals to feel comfortable and confident in sharing their sexual orientation (Hudak, 2015).
Beyond Labels: The True Self
The motivations for disclosure of an LGBTQ+ parent through the lens of understanding their authentic self were also explored by the study.
Praptiningsih et al. (2020) propounded that the motivation for disclosure lies in the discovery and realization of one’s sexual orientation.
Reflecting on the study’s findings, self-discovery was indicated as a relevant motivator for LGBTQ+ parents when disclosing their sexual orientation as they were driven to disclose based on the realization and understanding of their sexual orientation.
Moreover, the researchers have analyzed that forming a solid identity is a common motivation for LGBTQ+ parents when disclosing their sexual orientation. Their sexuality is viewed as an integral part of who they are and seek acceptance from others based on their authentic selves.
Existing literature supports the notion that disclosing and developing a solid identity are interconnected (Ragins, 2004; Cain, 1991, as cited by Legate et al., 2017). Following this idea, self-acceptance was identified as a crucial aspect linked to disclosure, as both self-acceptance and the development of a solid identity are interconnected. The findings by Ragins (2004) and Cain (1991, as cited by Legate et al., 2017) support this notion, highlighting that disclosure plays a role in achieving self-acceptance and forming an identity for themselves.
Meyer (2003) indicated that disclosure allows individuals to embrace their authenticity and integrate their sexual identity into their overall identity. In line with this statement, the current study’s findings emphasized the importance of presenting LGBTQ+ parents’ authentic selves through their truth, emotions, expressions, and various aspects of their lives.
The study also uncovered that financial independence served as a motivator for sexual orientation disclosure. The confidence gained from earning their income becomes a driving force behind their decision to disclose.
These findings are consistent with literature from Li (2018) and White et al. (2016) which support this connection between financial independence and disclosure. This then suggested that higher levels of financial independence and increased earnings raise the likelihood of disclosure to the individual’s family.
Emotional trauma was also analyzed to play a significant role in motivating LGBTQ+ parents to disclose their sexual orientation.
The experience of emotional trauma catalyzes their decision to disclose, driven by a desire to minimize its impact.
As such, minimizing the emotional trauma associated with hiding one’s sexual orientation becomes a motivating factor for disclosure (Ragins, 2004; Cain, 1991, as cited by Legate et al., 2017).
An Unscripted Journey
As individuals live unique lives, so too do LGBTQ+ parents. As such, unique situations may affect their sexual orientation disclosure.
The study’s findings indicate that unique circumstances experienced by these individuals as well as perceived similarity with others play significant roles in motivating LGBTQ+ parents to disclose their sexual orientation, which is aided by the findings of Cheah & Singaravelu (2017) in their study.
Hudak (2015) suggested that the fear of gossip and its impact on social connections can influence the decision to disclose one’s sexual orientation. Reflexive to the study’s findings, gossip was perceived to be a motivating factor for LGBTQ+ parents when disclosing their sexual orientation as the fear of gossip and the potential harm it may cause becomes a driving force for disclosure.
The findings of the study suggested that motivations for sexual orientation disclosure are multifaceted and complex.
This indicated the complexity of motivations for disclosing one’s sexual orientation and highlights the various factors that influence the decision-making process for LGBTQ+ parents.
With motivations revealed, we must uncover the hidden depths that lie within disclosure messages. The next article will be filled with discovery as we delve deeper into the extensive topics LGBTQ+ parents discuss while disclosing their sexual orientation.
References:
Cain, R. (1991). Stigma management and gay identity development. Social Work, 36(1), 67–73. Retrieved August 2022, from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-18274-001.
Cheah, W. H., & Singaravelu, H. (2017). The Coming-Out Process of Gay and Lesbian Individuals from Islamic Malaysia: Communication Strategies and Motivations. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 46(5), 401–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/17475759.2017.1362460
Choi, S. K., Wilson, B. D. M., Shelton, J., & Gates, G. J. (2015). Serving Our Youth 2015: The Needs and Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth Experiencing Homelessness. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute with True Colors Fund. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1pd9886n
Cruz, G. T., Laguna, E. P., & Raymundo, C. M. (2001, October 1). Family Influences on the Lifestyle of Filipino Youth. East-West Center. Retrieved March 2023, from https://www.eastwestcenter.org/publications/family-influences-lifestyle-filipino-youth
Hudak, N. (2015). Identity disclosure in lesbian, gay, and bisexual patient-provider communication. Master Theses 26. Retrieved July 27, 2022 from https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/26/
Legate, N., Ryan, R. M., & Rogge, R. D. (2017). Daily Autonomy Support and Sexual Identity Disclosure Predicts Daily Mental and Physical Health Outcomes. Personality & social psychology bulletin, 43(6), 860–873. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167217700399
Li, Y. (2018). Developing, applying, and extending the theory of coming out message production. University of Georgia. Retrieved July 25, 2022 from https://esploro.libs.uga.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Developing-applying-and-extending-the-theory-of-coming-out-message-production/9949333442502959
Meyer I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674
Miralao, V. (1997). The Family, Traditional Values and the Sociocultural Transformation of Philippine Society. Economics, 45, 189–215. Retrieved March 2023, from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Family%2C-Traditional-Values-and-the-of-Society-Miralao/c6f7bac375c31ae82560af76c81e0f0019bce085.
Praptiningsih, N. A., Tarmini, W., & Marsinun, R. (2020). Communication and Motivation Coming Out Gay as Self Identity in Indonesia. Jurnal Komunikasi Ikatan Sarjana Komunikasi Indonesia, 5(1), 90-100.
Ragins, B. R. (2004). Sexual orientation in the workplace: The unique work and career experiences of gay, lesbian and bisexual workers. Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management, 23, 35-120. doi:10.1016/S0742-7301(04)23002-X
White, Y., Sandfort, T., Morgan, K., Carpenter, K., & Pierre, R. (2016). Family relationships and sexual orientation disclosure to family by gay and bisexual men in Jamaica. International Journal of Sexual Health, 28(4), 306–317. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2016.1227015
