“Hi, I’m a Lesbian” or “Maybe I Shouldn’t Say Anything?”: Experiences of Indonesian Lesbians in Disclosing Their Identity Directly or Not at All

Abstract

The increasing presence of LGBT individuals is notable in Indonesia, where the majority are Muslim, and homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Islamic teachings. Indonesian parenting often emphasizes authoritarianism and religious guidance. Despite this, advancements in technology and social media have prompted LGBT, particularly lesbians, to disclose their sexual orientation openly. Self-disclosure offers psychological benefits, especially for marginalized LGBT individuals. When lesbians reveal their identity, they typically confide in close friends and family due to Indonesia’s collectivist culture, which prioritizes family harmony and well-being. This study aims to understand why Indonesian lesbians choose to disclose or withhold their sexual orientation from friends and family. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) by Smith, the research delves into the experiences of 10 lesbians in Jakarta. Findings reveal that Indonesian lesbians are comfortable disclosing to friends who do not strictly adhere to religious values and are reluctant to disclose to parents to avoid disappointment, which would result in removal from the Family Card, and no longer being considered part of the family. This is one of the factors avoided in collectivist cultures.