“I did not know I was gay”: sexual identity development and fluidity among married tongzhi in China

“We don’t have a template to follow”: Sexual identity development and its facilitative factors among sexual minority men in the context of China.

“…Moreover, after analyzing the potential costs and benefits, some participants decided not to come out, as doing so may put them in a more vulnerable position and lead to unforeseeable consequences that they are unable to bear. This result was consistent with previous findings in the Chinese context (e.g., Huang & Brouwer, 2018; Song et al, 2021; Sun, Budge, et al, 2020; Wei & Liu, 2019). Thus, identity disclosure might be an essential step in identity development for some sexual minority men, though not all.…”

“…Consistent with previous research (Li et al, 2010; Song et al, 2021; Sun et al, 2006), participants experienced confusion, anxiety, and other negative feelings that manifested in the form of internalized homophobia as a response to their initial awareness of their attraction. Interpersonally, one might experience social isolation and withdrawal.…”

“…However, the developmental trajectory remained unclear in this study. Recently, Song et al (2021) studied sexual identity development among Chinese sexual minority men in a heterosexual marriage in rural areas of southeast China. Their participants experienced same-sex attraction and/or behaviors at a young age, met the “straight expectations” and entered a heterosexual marriage, and engaged with the “gay circle,” which led to recognition and commitment to their minoritized sexual identity, although the challenges in sustaining the sexual life in the marriage also arose.…”

Sexting Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong and Taiwan: Roles of Sensation-Seeking, Gay Identity, and Muscularity Ideal

“…Therefore, MSM are often regarded as being straight by their family and peers and struggle to accept their own sexuality (Hoang, 2019 ; Wang et al, 2021 ). According to Song et al ( 2022 ), due to a limited discussion of homosexuality and a strong heterosexual assumption in China, some Chinese MSM were unaware of their sexuality until they were married to a woman. In a case reported by Song et al ( 2022 ), a man only became aware of his same-sex desire ten years into his heterosexual marriage.…”

“…According to Song et al ( 2022 ), due to a limited discussion of homosexuality and a strong heterosexual assumption in China, some Chinese MSM were unaware of their sexuality until they were married to a woman. In a case reported by Song et al ( 2022 ), a man only became aware of his same-sex desire ten years into his heterosexual marriage. While Cass’s six-stage model for gay identity formation was heavily criticized for its rigid linear fashion and lack of regional specificity (Goodrich & Brammer, 2021 ), the notion of identity confusion still matches the experience of Chinese MSM.…”