"I was terrified of being different": exploring gay men's accounts of growing-up in a heterosexist society

Flowers, P. and Buston, K. (2001) "I was terrified of being different": exploring gay men's accounts of growing-up in a heterosexist society. Journal of Adolescence, 24(1), pp. 51-65. (doi: 10.1006/jado.2000.0362) (PMID:11259070)

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Abstract

This study examined retrospective accounts of gay identity formation during adolescence. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with working-class gay men from a small town in the north of England. Themes salient to understanding their adolescent experiences of identity formation were identified: "defined by difference", "self-reflection and inner conflict", "alienation and isolation", "living a lie", "telling others", and "wholeness and integrity". We illustrate how the socio-cultural context of compulsory heterosexuality is central in understanding accounts of both reported minority stress and identity construction. The implications of the research for future interventions designed to tackle homophobia and heterosexism are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Flowers, Professor Paul and Buston, Dr Katie
Authors: Flowers, P., and Buston, K.
Subjects:R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Adolescence
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0140-1971
ISSN (Online):1095-9254

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