Management of a Concealable Stigmatized Identity: A Qualitative Study of Concealment, Disclosure, and Role Flexing Among Young, Resilient Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals

Abstract

Disclosure of a sexual or gender minority status has been associated with both positive and negative effects on wellbeing. Few studies have explored the disclosure and concealment process in young people. Interviews were conducted with 10 sexual and/or gender minority individuals, aged 18–22 years, of male birth sex. Data were analyzed qualitatively, yielding determinants and effects of disclosure and concealment. Determinants of disclosure included holding positive attitudes about one’s identity and an implicit devaluation of acceptance by society. Coming out was shown to have both positive and negative effects on communication and social support, and was associated with both increases and decreases in experiences of stigma. Determinants of concealment included lack of comfort with one’s identity and various motivations to avoid discrimination. Concealment was also related to hypervigilance and unique strategies of accessing social support. Results are discussed in light of their clinical implications.

Psychological Interventions Promoting Resilience Among Transgender Individuals: Transgender Resilience Intervention Model (TRIM)

“…Cultivating hope or an optimistic view can help transgender people overcome adversities (Bry, Mustanski, Garofalo, & Burns, 2017; Singh et al, 2011). Hope about their future can help transgender people manage stress when faced with discrimination or rejection based on their gender identity (Singh et al, 2011); having an optimistic view may be a protective factor against suicidal ideation and behavior (Moody et al, 2015).…”

General and LGBTQ-specific factors associated with mental health and suicide risk among LGBTQ students

“…Only about half of the students were out to everyone at university, but not being out to everyone was also not associated with any of the outcomes. As discussed above, disclosure of a sexual or gender minority status has been associated with both positive and negative effects on wellbeing (Bry, Mustanski, Garofalo, & Burns, 2017) and these require further investigation.…”

Shifting Can Be Stressful for African American Women: A Structural Mediation Model

“…In order to cope with racialized contexts that are frequently perceived as racist and oppressive, some African American women engage in certain behaviors conceived as shifting (Johnson et al, 2016; Jones & Shorter-Gooden, 2003), cultural frame switching (Benet-Martínez et al, in press; Hong et al, 2000), or role flexing (Balaji et al, 2012; Bry et al, 2017). Individuals who shift may feel compelled to alter their self-presentation in response to cultural or environmental cues, such as altering tone of voice, behaviors, and personal appearance, as well as being less conspicuous, sometimes without conscious awareness.…”