Abstract
Introduction
Studies examining why heteronormative beliefs shape the coming out process of sexual minority men are still scarce. This study aimed to examine whether heteronormative beliefs result in more internalized homonegativity and more sexual identity stigma. We also compared socio-cultural contexts—Portugal and Turkey—with distinct social policies toward sexual minority people. Lastly, we explored the correlates of coming out to friends and family members.
Methods
A cross-sectional study with 562 sexual minority men (93.4% cisgender; Mage = 26.69, SD = 9.59) from Portugal and Turkey was conducted between March and July 2019.
Results
Heteronormative beliefs were associated with increased internalized homonegativity and, in turn, with increased sexual identity stigma (identity stigma and social discomfort). This mediation was moderated by country, such that conditional direct effects were stronger among Turkish sexual minority men. Conditional indirect effects, however, were stronger among Portuguese sexual minority men. Furthermore, less internalized homonegativity and less social discomfort were associated with coming out to friends and family members in different ways.
Conclusions
This study contributed to the understanding of sexual identity development and acceptance among sexual minority men in two distinct socio-cultural contexts. Findings showed that the internalization of heteronormative beliefs was associated with identity stigma and highlighted the role of socialization in these processes.
Policy Implications
For people working with sexual minority men from diverse socio-cultural contexts, our findings can offer new insights on how to offer the best help in the coming out process of these sexual minority men.
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Availability of Data and Material
The data and materials used in the research are available and can be obtained via email from the corresponding author.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the collaboration of the following organizations, social venues, and websites from Portugal and Turkey for their assistance during the process of data collection: AMPLOS, AMPLOS Porto, Ayı Sözlük, CaDiv-Caminhar na Diversidade, Caleidoscópio LGBT, Casa Qui, Centro LGBT, Checkpoint LX, EsQrever, Genç LGBTİ Derneği İzmir, ILGA Portugal, Istanbul Bears, LGBTI News Turkey, LGBTI Viseu, LISTAG, Motociclistas Alternativos Portugueses, Opus Gay Madeira, Pois.pt, Portogay, Portugalgay.pt, Queer IST, Rumos Novos, Rede ex Aequo, Türkiye LGBTİ Birliği, and Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi ODA. Finally, we wish to express our gratitude with every one of the participants that collaborated in this research.
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Both authors work in study conception and design. CAT collected, analyzed, and interpreted the data under the supervision of DLR. The first draft of the manuscript was written by CAT and was revised by DLR. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Torres, C.A., Rodrigues, D.L. Heteronormative Beliefs and Internalized Homonegativity in the Coming Out Process of Portuguese and Turkish Sexual Minority Men. Sex Res Soc Policy 19, 663–677 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00582-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00582-x