Factors associated with and impacting coming out for sexual identity minorities in the United States

Abstract

This research aims to explore socio-demographic and other individual factors potentially associated with the probability of coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer and other sexual identities (LGBQ+) to friends and family and the probability of being outed as LGBQ+ to family members before being ready or without consent in the United States (UCS). This research analyzed quantitative data from the 2016-17 Generations Study, a nationally representative population-based survey collecting information from LGBQ+ persons residing across the US (N=1,416), and employed both descriptive and multivariate analyses, using the logistic regression model and the Cox proportional hazard model.

Several factors were found to be significantly associated with the probability of coming out and being outed by a family as LGBQ+. These factors included cohort (age), gender, race, sexual orientation, education, adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and experience in conversion therapy to change one’s sexual orientation. The results from the Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the median ages of coming out to at least one straight friend and to a family were 18 years and 20 years, respectively. The median age for being outed by a family was distinctively higher at the age of 25 years. Even though this study had some limitations, largely due to the characteristics of cross-sectional data, the findings could be used to guide policy makers and practitioners to determine legislations on where to focus and what supports are needed to reduce health disparities for LGBQ+. The study also highlighted possible adverse consequence that outed LGBQ+ persons may face, which could be used to advocate against anti-gay laws in many states across the US.