The Psychology of Coming Out : Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities

Until now, dominant models of sexual identity development have overlooked the interpersonal process of coming out to somebody significant. None interrogate the implications of coming out for the total identity of the individual. In this elegant and original book, Rusi Jaspal proposes an integrative theoretical framework within which the psychological antecedents, consequences, and experiences of coming out can be collectively examined. Drawing on case studies and the first-hand accounts of over 500 lesbian, gay, and bisexual people regarding their coming out experiences, this book forces us to re-think the notion that we now live a “post-gay era” in which coming out no longer matters. It explores themes, such as identity authenticity, interpersonal relationships, identity invalidation, rejection, microaggressions, gaslighting, and ghosting. The Psychology of Coming Out: Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities is an invaluable resource for students, academics, and practitioners interested in the psychology of coming out.