Trying to Hide: A Cross-National Study of Growing Up for Non-Identified Gay and Bisexual Male Youth

Abstract

Research shows that ‘out’ lesbian, gay and bisexual youth often experience long- term and repeated abuse when they are growing up. Currently, very little is known about the experiences of those youth who do not disclose their sexual orientation at school, but also face discrimination because of their perceived sexual orientation. A cross-cultural comparison of two groups of gay and bisexual men from the US and UK who were non-identified at school was conducted by the authors. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed focusing upon recollections of sexual orientation developmental milestones, the nature of the victimization experienced in adolescence, alternative behaviours adopted for self-preservation and suicidal ideation. In addition, current functioning in adulthood was also assessed, and measures relating to personal homonegativity and sexual behaviour were compared. The results suggested that there were variations in the nature and correlates of the victimization experienced by US and UK gay and bisexual males during adolescence, including the alternative behaviours adopted for self- preservation. As adults, UK males were more likely to report feelings of internalized homonegativity, however, US males were proportionally more likely to engage in transient sexual encounters. The implications of these findings are discussed.