The Coming Out Experience for Bisexuals

Identity Formation and Stigma Management

Bibliographic Data

ID12759276
AuthorsHeather Marie Knous (corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume5
Issue4
Pages37-59
Publication date2006-01-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Bisexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1529-9716 • E-ISSN: 1529-9724
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j159v05n04_05
OpenAlexW2320624011
LanguageEN
Citations received26
References cited9

This paper reports findings from an undergraduate level qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to assess the way in which bisexuals form an identity and manage the stigma they receive from the greater society. Previous research has indicated that social support and social networks are a major factor in determining whether or not a bi-identified individual has accepted their identity. Other research has indicated bisexuals are in a constant state of confusion concerning their identity. The interviews examined three stages of identity (stemming from sociological research on deviance theory) including the initial stage in which one undergoes their initial interaction with another gender, the second stage in which a person openly identifies as bisexual and/or is labeled as such and the third stage in which a person begins to identify with and accept their newfound identity. In addition, the way in which bi-identified individuals manage and deal with the stigma they receive from the greater outside community and society as a whole is explored

Confusion · Deviance (statistics · Grounded theory · Identity (music · Psychoanalysis · Qualitative research · Social group · Social identity theory · Social science · Sociology · Stigma (botany · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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