Philippine E-Journals

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.