Parental accepting and rejecting behaviors: Experiences of South Asian gay and bisexual men in Canada

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis article explored the coming out experiences of South Asian gay and bisexual young men at home.BackgroundIntersectionality theory suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth of color may experience double minority stress, due to facing the multiple stressors of sexual minority stigma and racism. Although family support has been identified as important social support for youth, little research has considered how well families support South Asian LGBTQ youth.MethodSemistructured interviews were conducted with 15 gay and bisexual South Asian young men. Data were systematically analyzed according to the principles of interpretive description.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified in the analysis including that (a) parents were very concerned about what others would think about their child's sexual orientation; (b) parents demonstrated a wide range of reactions to their child's disclosure, which most commonly included anger, denial, and avoidance; and (c) there are a lack of resources for South Asian sexual minority youth.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that because of traditional homophobic attitudes espoused by South Asian cultures, South Asian gay and bisexual youth find it very challenging to navigate coming out to their parents. For the same reasons, it makes it very difficult for South Asian parents to accept their child's sexual orientation.ImplicationsIt is important that interventions to increase parental support of South Asian gay and bisexual youth are culturally relevant.