Perceptions of 'coming out' among British Muslim gay men

Jaspal, R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8463-9519 and Siraj, A, 2011. Perceptions of 'coming out' among British Muslim gay men. Psychology and Sexuality, 2 (3), pp. 183-197. ISSN 1941-9899

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Abstract

The cultural processes of heteronormativity and compulsory heterosexuality are acutely active within Islamic societies. The present study explored perceptions of 'coming out' among a group of British Muslim gay men (BMGM), focussing upon the potential consequences for identity processes and psychological well-being. Ten BMGM of Pakistani descent were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Interview transcripts were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis and informed by identity process theory. Four superordinate themes are reported, including (1) 'social representational constraints upon "coming out"'; (2) ' "coming out": a source of shame and a threat to distinctiveness'; (3) 'fear of physical violence from ingroup members'; and (4) 'foreseeing the future: "coming out" as a coping strategy'. Data suggest that BMGM face a bi-dimensional homophobia from ethno-religious ingroup members and the general population, which can render the prospect of 'coming out' threatening for identity. Theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Psychology and Sexuality
Creators:	Jaspal, R. and Siraj, A.
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Date:	September 2011
Volume:	2
Number:	3
ISSN:	1941-9899
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1080/19419899.2010.526627 DOI 1315898 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	17 Apr 2020 09:16
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2020 09:16
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39668

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