Coming Out in Rural America: Stories of Disclosure and Identity

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the gender norm construction process within rural communities and the possible association it might have on non-heterosexuals' sexual identity formation. The study also examined the decision-making processes non-heterosexuals tend to use when disclosing their sexuality. In addition, the study explored the expected and actual reactions these individuals perceived when "coming out" to others. The research exploring the communication of rural non-heterosexuals is growing, but still sparse. This research aimed to help to fill that gap. Extant literature reveals the possible and probable difficulties facing non-heterosexuals in small-town environments due to the culture's emphasis on the continuation of the family and hyper-masculinity norms. The social support literature also reveals the importance of care, acceptance, and positive reactions to disclosure at the time non-heterosexuals come out. Interview data was collected from 25 participants and a thematic analysis revealed that non-heterosexuals sought their own LGBTQ identity in a heteronormative community, often using external resources to educate themselves. Participants also reported a large number of expected negative reactions that influenced the manner in which they disclosed their sexuality. Theoretical and practical implications arising from this study are offered, as well as a discussion of future directions and limitations of this research.