1. What factors will a young adult face in her decision to come out as a lesbian in
today’s society?
Kyra Lollar
Sociology
8/1/14

2. The phrase, “coming out” or“as outness” is commonly referredto as the process of asexual minority verbally or
behaviorally disclosing theirsexual orientation to others (Chow& Cheng, 2013). Study afterstudy has reinforcedthe
notion that staying “closeted” is anything but healthy andcan actually cause emotional, physical andpsychological
damage. This research topic is relevant due to the fact that lesbianism, andthe disclosure of sexual identity is an
extremely popularsubject matteramong researchers not only here in the US, but all overthe world. The positive
outcomes andnegative repercussions that young women face every day fortheiralternative lifestyle choices shouldbe
exposedandrecognizedby the “majority.” This presentation will discuss the different stages of “coming out” awoman
will face as it pertains to self-identity, family andestablishing normality, workplace anddiscrimination, as well as peers
and acceptance.
Abstract

3. Pre-coming outPre-coming out
During this stage, individuals constantly
wrestle with the idea that they may indeed
have an attraction or romantic thoughts about
persons of the same sex (Bond, Hefner, &
Drogos, 2013).

4. Coming Out
As a person comes to accept who they
are, they incorporate notions of their
sexuality into their overall identity
(Bond, Hefner, & Drogos, 2013).

5. ROLE CONFUSION
Role confusion is a
moratorium that is
comparable to the term
mentioned the Bible. It is a
waiting room that eventually
leads to an identity crisis
(Bond, Hefner, & Drogos, 2013).

6. Exploration
This phase consists of an individual’s first sexual interaction with a person of the same sex, as well as
their interpretation of the event (Bond, Hefner, & Drogos, 2013).

7. The First Relationship
Compatibility, Communication & Courting

8. Integration
They openly accept and acknowledge their identity as gay
and step into their role as a member of the gay society.
(Bond, Hefner, & Drogos, 2014)

9. Coming out as a daughter and sister
FACT:
In 2010, the amount of suicides committed by the lesbian community
skyrocketed to an all time high. These deaths were the result of
rejection after disclosing their sexual identity to family and friends
(Hilton & Szymanski, 2013).

10. Coming out as a parent
to a child

11. Coming out at the work place
Research shows that coming out on the job-site increases
job satisfaction and decreases stress levels dramatically
(Iwasaki & Ristock, 2013).

12. Religion and Spirituality
• Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender
people challenge the norms laid out by religious
doctrine and as a result, people with these
lifestyles are subjected to conflict while trying
to establish their place in the church (Halkitis et
al., 2013).

13. Femme vs. Butch
Gender identities such as femme and butch help women to structure their relationships
and their attractions to other lesbians within their community (Hiestand & Levitt, 2013).
a lesbian who favors a glamorous, traditionally feminine style.

14. GapsGaps
The influence of cultural differences in race, ethnicity andThe influence of cultural differences in race, ethnicity and
different religious backgroundsdifferent religious backgrounds
A psychological look into the different acts of abuse orA psychological look into the different acts of abuse or
neglectneglect
Coming out during childhood, adolescence, mid-life, andComing out during childhood, adolescence, mid-life, and
as an elderas an elder

15. Summary
5 stages of coming out
Coming out as a daughter and sister
Coming out as a parent to a child
Coming out at the work place
Religion/Spirituality
Femme Vs. Butch
Gaps

16. References
Abes, E. S. (2013). Constructivist and Intersectional Interpretations of a Lesbian College Student's Multiple Social
Identities. Journal Of Higher Education, 83(2), 186-216.
Bond, B. J., Hefner, V., & Drogos, K. L. (2013). Information-seeking practices during the sexual development of lesbian,
gay, and bisexual individuals: The influence and effects of coming out in a mediated environment. Sexuality & Culture:
An Interdisciplinary Quarterly, 13(1), 32-50.
Breshears, D. (2014). Coming out with our children: Turning points facilitating lesbian parent discourse with their
children about family identity. Communication Reports, 23(2), 79-90.
Chow, P., & Cheng, S. (2013). Shame, internalized heterosexism, lesbian identity, and coming out to others: A
comparative study of lesbians in mainland China and Hong Kong. Journal Of Counseling Psychology, 57(1), 92-104.
Connell, C. (2013). Dangerous disclosures. Sexuality Research & Social Policy: A Journal Of The NSRC, 9(2), 168-177.
Floyd, F. J., & Bakeman, R. (2014). Coming-Out Across the Life Course: Implications of Age and Historical Context.
Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 35(3), 287-297.
Grov, C., Bimbi, D. S., Nanín, J. E., & Parsons, J. T. (2013). Race, ethnicity, gender, and generational factors associated
with the coming-out process among gay, lesbian, and bisexual Individuals. Journal Of Sex Research, 43(2), 115-121.

17. References Continued
Halkitis, P. N., Mattis, J. S., Sahadath, J. K., Massie, D., Ladyzhenskaya, L., Pitrelli, K., & ... Cowie, S. E. (2013). The meanings
and manifestations of religion and spirituality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults. Journal Of Adult
Development, 16(4), 250-262.
Hiestand, K. R., & Levitt, H. M. (2014). Gender within lesbian sexuality: butch and femme perspectives. Journal Of
Constructivist Psychology, 18(1), 39-51.
Hilton, A. N., & Szymanski, D. M. (2014). Family dynamics and changes in sibling of origin relationship after lesbian and gay
sexual orientation disclosure. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 33(3), 291-309.
Iwasaki, Y., & Ristock, J. L. (2013). The nature of stress experienced by lesbians and gay men. Anxiety, Stress & Coping: An
International Journal, 20(3), 299-319.
McLean, K. (2013). 'Coming Out, Again': boundaries, identities and spaces of belonging. Australian Geographer, 39(3),303-313.
Prati, G. (2013). A Social Cognitive Learning Theory of Homophobic Aggression Among Adolescents. School Psychology
Review, 41(4), 413-428.
Shechory, M., & Ziv, R. (2013). Relationships between Gender Role Attitudes, Role Division, and Perception of Equity among
Heterosexual, Gay and Lesbian Couples. Sex Roles, 56(9/10), 629-638.
Vyncke, J. D., Julien, D., Jouvin, E., & Jodoin, E. (2014). Systemic Heterosexism and Adjustment Among Adolescents Raised by
Lesbian Mothers. Canadian Journal Of Behavioural Science, 46(3), 375-386.