Experiences of Coming Out as LGBTQ

RM 211

There are approximately 9 million Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals within the United States (Gates 2011). Many suffer mental health problems due to discrimination and homophobia. LGBTQ individuals suffer from anxiety and stress levels, and emotional suppression (Marx & Sloan 2002). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the different experiences LGBTQ individuals encounter when coming out. Coming out in the LGBTQ population occurs when an LGBTQ member discloses their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to society; this can be a defining moment (Aranda, Matthews, Hughes, Muramatsu, Wilsnack, Johnson, & Riley 2014). The present study represents a correlational design. Relationships between variables will be explored. Researchers examined whether negative reactions to coming out could be related to symptoms of PTSD. Researchers predict that PTSD will positively correlate with internalized heterosexism, psychological distress, family/cultural values, and hate crimes and family/cultural values will moderate relationships between PTSD and other variables. Finally, researchers predict that PTSD and outness will be negatively correlated, but hate crimes moderates this relationship. Data is currently being collected. All study hypotheses will be tested using t-tests and ANOVA. The t tests will be utilized to calculate relationships between variables and the ANOVA will be used to calculate relationships between multiple variables as well as test for moderators. Future implications from this study could formulate better understanding of LGBTQ coming out experiences. Current therapeutic approaches could be modified to include skills aimed at enhancing social support and coping skills in response to coming out.