What to Say to a Gay Guy You Like

J LGBT Youth. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2013 Jan 1.

Published in final edited form as:

PMCID: PMC3326393

NIHMSID: NIHMS358675

What's Good about Being Gay?: Perspectives from Youth

Gary W. Harper

Department of Psychology, DePaul University, 2219 N. Kenmore Avenue, Room 420. Chicago, IL 60614

See other articles in PMC that cite the published article.

Abstract

This article explores gay and bisexual male adolescents' positive perceptions of their sexual orientation identity. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with an ethnically diverse sample of 63 gay/bisexual male adolescents in Chicago (N=42) and Miami (N=21). Data revealed two major conceptual categories: 1) positive personal conceptualizations of being gay/bisexual, and 2) resiliency in the face of gay-related oppression. Additional primary themes and sub-themes were identified within each category that further illustrate how gay/bisexual youth were able to develop positive conceptualizations of their sexual orientation despite experiencing negative societal messages about being gay/bisexual. Implications for the development of interventions to promote the health and well-being of gay/bisexual male youth are discussed.

Keywords: Bisexual, gay, male, resiliency, sexual orientation, youth

Adolescence is a developmental period where young people are maturing physically, emotionally and socially as they transition into adulthood (Erikson, 1980; Hill, 1983). One of the most critical developmental tasks during adolescence is the development of a unique and personal identity (Adams, Gullotta, & Montemayor, 1992; Erikson, 1980). Adolescent development is influenced by different levels of social interaction within multiple environmental systems (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1995), thus a range of individuals, peers and communities can play a significant role in an adolescent's developing sense of identity. When these influences are negative, psychological distress among adolescents may result, especially for those youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (Almeida, Johnson, Corliss, Molnar & Azrael, 2009; Hershberger & D'Augelli, 1995; Ueno, 2005).

Unfortunately, much of the extant research on LGB adolescent developmental factors has had a primary focus on traumatic life experiences such as victimization, harassment, and rejection, and the subsequent negative impact of such events on mental and physical health outcomes (c.f., Bontempo & D'Augelli, 2002; D'Augelli, 2002; 2006; D'Augelli & Hershberger, 1993; Garofalo, & Harper, 2003; Pilkington & D'Augelli, 1995; Ryan, Huebner, Diaz & Sanchez, 2009; Savin-Williams & Cohen, 1996; Telljohan & Price, 1993). Although the documentation and examination of various challenges faced by LGB adolescents is critical in helping researchers and practitioners to improve the life circumstances of LGB youth through different types of intervention, it is important to also highlight the strength and resiliency demonstrated by many LGB adolescents. Thus, this article takes a resilience-based approach to examining sexual orientation identity among gay/bisexual male adolescents by sharing their perceptions regarding the positive aspects of being gay/bisexual.

Cultural and Societal Challenges

United States (U.S.) society strives to maintain a hetero-normative order in which anything other than heterosexuality is stigmatized (Grossman, 2001; Herek, Chopp & Strohl, 2007; Rivers & D'Augelli, 2001). When individuals or groups do not conform to socially assigned roles that fit this order, they may be oppressed and marginalized by some in the heterosexual majority and become vulnerable to discrimination as well as other culturally and socially produced damaging forces (Savin-Williams, 2001; Stall, Freidman & Catania, 2008). In Mays and Cochran's (2001) study on perceived discrimination among LGB adults in the U.S., gay and bisexual individuals reported higher frequencies of day-to-day and lifetime discrimination experiences as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The primary reported basis for the discrimination was sexual orientation for some participants, and those who reported these incidents argued that they interfered with leading a "full and productive life" and made life generally more difficult (Mays & Cochran, 2001). For LGB adolescents, negative heterosexist forces can contribute to social isolation, stigma, and oppression, all of which may exacerbate the traditional developmental challenges faced by all adolescents (Harper & Schneider, 2003; Harper, Jerenwell, & Zea 2004; Ryan & Futterman, 1998).

Forms of discriminations against LGB persons are multiple and have been reported in areas of employment, housing, access to health care and education (Diaz, & Ayala, 2001; Harper & Schneider, 2003). Unfortunately, federal U.S. laws and legislation fail to protect individuals from these inequalities. The existence of laws prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying or disallowing them from adopting/having custody over children reinforces the lack of human rights protections of LGB populations and legitimizes their continuing victimization (Harper & Schneider, 2003). Additionally, the "normalization" of heterosexuality provides limited opportunities for LGB adolescents to explore their sexual orientation identity and has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes (Rivers & D'Augelli, 2001).

Psychological Challenges and Mental Health Outcomes

The negative conditions created by societal and psychological challenges placed on LGB populations often leads to unique stressors and have been associated with various health disparities (Meyer, 2007; Stall, Freidman & Catania, 2008). Adolescent-focused research has indicated that stressors affecting LGB populations may include stigmatization due to disclosure of their sexual orientation identity and fear of disclosure and ridicule, all of which may be classified as "sexual orientation victimization" (Bontempo & D'Augelli, 2002). Ryan, Huebner, Diaz & Sanchez (2009) focused on the association between family rejection and substance use, risky sexual behavior, and suicide attempts/suicide ideation among LGB adolescents and found a positive relationship between family rejection and the physical and mental health risk variables they explored. Savin-Williams (2006) discussed the existing link revealed in prior studies between victimization of LGB adolescents/adults and clinical diagnoses of depression, anxiety and other negative mental health outcomes. Such studies suggest that outlets are not being provided for these youth to explore their identities and allow for a healthy and positive development. In addition to the basic challenges of adolescent development, LGB youth must face self-identity and disclosure issues regarding sexual orientation identity and are often not presented with healthy environments and opportunities to do so (D'Augelli, 2002; 2006; Jamil & Harper, 2010; Wilson, Harper, Hidalgo et al., 2010).

Data from multiple studies have demonstrated higher rates of verbal and physical victimization experienced by LGB adolescents as compared to their heterosexual counterparts, and the negative effects this victimization has on their physical and mental health (c.f., Bontempo & D'Augelli, 2002; Chesir-Teran & Hughes, 2009; D'Augelli, 2002; 2006; D'Augelli & Hershberger, 1993; Rivers & D'Augelli, 2001; Savin-Williams & Cohen, 1996; Telljohan & Price, 1993). For example, Rivers and D'Augelli (2001) explored the high prevalence of verbal and physical abuse present in the lives of LGB adolescents, and identified that such abuse is perpetuated by peers, parents, and teachers within educational settings, homes, and other social institutions. Furthermore, LGB youth oftentimes report such incidents occurring on more than one occasion (D'Augelli, 2006). When threats become a daily concern for some of these adolescents, it is not surprising that they may struggle to find sources of support and turn to health-damaging behaviors such as substance use, sexual risk behaviors, suicide attempts, and running away from home (Harper, 2007; Rivers & D'Augelli, 2001; Savin-Williams, 1994; Scourfield, Roen & McDermott, 2008). Negative health outcomes of this group are constantly brought to light and scant research is conducted or reported which is focused on the adaptive strategies and strengths LGB adolescents and adults have developed in the face of societal oppression and discrimination (Harper, Jamil & Wilson, 2007; Harper & Schneider, 2003).

Resiliencies and Coping Strategies among Gay/Bisexual Youth

Few studies have specifically focused on strengths and resiliencies among LGB youth. One study that addressed this topic presented resiliency strategies among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people in North West England and South Wales within the context of hetero-normative environments (Scourfield, Roen & McDermott, 2008). Resiliency strategies reported by LGBT youth included a belief in "natural sexual diversity," the gained strength to resist discrimination and the ability to find safe and supportive LGBT spaces and people (Scourfield, Roen & McDermott, 2008). Interestingly, the study also highlighted that some of the participants who were open and proud of their sexual orientation simultaneously experienced feelings of ambivalence regarding their identity. These youth expressed the difficulty in constructing a positive sexual orientation identity in the context of highly structured cultural and societal forces that give privilege to heterosexuality. The authors assert that this ambivalence and inconsistency in comfort with one's identity serves as yet another source of distress among LGBT adolescents (Scourfield, Roen & McDermott, 2008). These findings highlight the challenges LGB youth face in maintaining resiliency while having to actively counter hetero-normative pressures and oppression.

Another study examining LGB youth resiliencies focused on a sample of gay/bisexual male youth in Puerto Rico (Toro-Alfonso, Diaz, Andujar-Bello & Nieves-Rosa, 2006). This study used various measurement scales to determine participants' perceived level of depression, social support, alcohol/drug use, and sexual activity. The results demonstrate the presence of a range of health-promoting strengths such as engagement in protected sexual activity, low consumption of drugs and alcohol, and the existence of strong social support networks (Toro-Alfonso, Diaz, Anduiar-Bello & Nieves-Rosa, 2006). The authors assert that even though these young men were living in a hetero-normative Puerto Rican culture with pervasive homophobia and cultural stigma, they developed resiliency strategies that helped them to overcome potential obstacles. The development of strong ties with members of their social support network in order to assist with integrating their sexual orientation identity with their Latino identity and the ability to adapt to changes were noted as key strengths exhibited by the youth. The authors further note that the participants' lack of participation in risky sexual behavior suggests the presence of a positive identity and sense of self (Toro-Alfonso, Diaz, Anduiar-Bello & Nieves-Rosa, 2006). This was one of the few studies found to present resiliency strategies developed by gay/bisexual adolescents to combat negative social and cultural influences.

While continuing research is needed on the developmental challenges faced by LGB adolescents, especially those who are also members of other oppressed groups such as youth of color, a parallel line of scientific inquiry is also needed to explore the strengths and resiliencies demonstrated by LGB youth. Given the critical importance of identity development during adolescence (Adams, Gullotta & Montemayor, 1992; Erikson, 1980), a strengths-based focus on sexual orientation identity acceptance for LGB youth is warranted. The extant research and theoretical literature regarding LGB adolescents' sexual orientation identity have primarily focused on the delineation of identity development stages and the timing of identity development milestones (c.f., Cass, 1979; Coleman, 1982; Dube & Savin-Williams, 199; Rosario, Scrimshaw & Hunter, 2004; Troiden, 1989). Most of these studies have been limited by utilizing retrospective data reports from adult LGB individuals or relying solely on quantitative measures of sexual orientation identity. Such limitations do not allow for a more nuanced understanding of the current lived experiences of LGB youth's identity exploration process, as has been seen in more recent qualitative studies of sexual orientation identity (Jamil, Harper, Fernandez, & the ATN, 2009)

The purpose of the current study is to provide insights into the positive conceptualizations that gay/bisexual male adolescents possess regarding their sexual orientation identity utilizing qualitative phenomenological and constructivist frameworks. This approach provides a general structure for discussion regarding sexual orientation identity but requires participants to provide their own terminology and definitions based on their life experiences and perceptions, thus avoiding the limitations of researcher-imposed terminology and concepts.

Although we did inquire about the full range of perceptions and experiences related to sexual orientation identity in the larger study from which these data were extracted, we chose to focus solely on the positive aspects of possessing a gay/bisexual sexual orientation identity for the current investigation given the lack of empirical data focused specifically on resiliency-related factors among gay/bisexual male adolescents. We understand and acknowledge that gay/bisexual youth are also confronted with challenges related to their sexual orientation identity and encourage readers to examine prior literature presented earlier for an exploration of such factors. Since prior research also has demonstrated that sexual orientation identity development for female adolescents and adults is different than that of male adolescents and adults (Diamond, 2005; Diamond & Savin-Williams, 2000; Schneider, 2001), we also focus this investigation exclusively on gay/bisexual male adolescents.

METHODS

Participants

Participants for the present study were 63 male youth who self-identified as gay or bisexual and were between ages of 15 and 22 at the time of recruitment. Youth identified as African American (N = 19), Latino (N= 22), and European American (N =22). In order to take part in the study, participants met the following eligibility criteria: 1) be biologically male; 2) be between the ages of 14 and 22; 3) self-identify as African American, Hispanic/Latino, or White non-Hispanic/European American; 4) self-identify as gay, bisexual, or questioning; 5) have no knowledge of being HIV positive; 6) live in the Chicago or Miami metropolitan area; and 7) read and understand English. These youth represented the qualitative subsample of adolescents who participated in a larger mixed-methods research study focused on multiple identity development and sexual risk/protection among gay/bisexual male adolescents, which was conducted within the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions.^¹

Procedure

All participants were recruited from Chicago and Miami community-based agencies and venues that target non-heterosexual male youth. Recruitment efforts were conducted by an ethnically diverse group of undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. level researchers. Once eligibility for the larger study was established, youth who expressed an interest in study participation completed a self-administered questionnaire in a private setting. Informed consent was obtained before participants took the self-administered questionnaire.

Demographic and quantitative data from the questionnaire were used to create a purposive, stratified sampling frame for the qualitative portion of the larger study. The frame was stratified by age (14–17, 18–20, and 21–22), level of gay/bisexual sexual orientation identity (low and high), and race/ethnicity (African American, European American, and Latino) in order to produce a sample that represents developmental and identity-related variations. The specific sampling stratification factors utilized were selected in accordance with the multiple identity development focus of the larger study; thus other potentially meaningful factors such as socioeconomic status and educational attainment were not used to create the strata. Approximately two to six weeks after completing the quantitative survey, selected participants were contacted by phone or email for participation in the interview. Participants were advised that the interview would take approximately two hours and that they would be compensated with $35 in cash. Sixty-three qualitative interviews were completed.

Instruments

An interview guide was created through a group process over the course of three months by a group of researchers and practitioners who work with gay/bisexual male adolescents. The guide was based on phenomenological and constructivist frameworks to learn about participants' life experiences and their behaviors, language, roles, and interactions. The guide examined five topics: 1) masculine identity; 2) ethnic/racial identity; 3) sexual orientation identity; 4) the integration of identities; and 5) high-risk behavior. Data for this study primarily came from the section of the interview focused on sexual orientation identity, although other sections of the interview did offer pertinent data. For each identity area, participants were first asked to define their identity using their own words and conceptualizations. They were then guided through an in-depth exploration of factors that have influenced each specific identity development. Within these areas, youth provided accounts of their experiences. However, they were also encouraged to discuss additional information that was not covered in the interview guide but that was personally relevant in their identity development. By using participants' lived experiences and definitions rather than imposing on them definitions based on prior research, the interview guide was grounded in the inductive nature of phenomenological inquiry. We retain each participant's unique identity labels when reporting the results of the study.

Data Collection

The in-depth interviews were conducted by an ethnically diverse research staff of self-identified, non-heterosexual doctoral graduate students and Ph.D.-level researchers with significant research, academic, and community experience with the target population; as well as life experiences as LGB people. All interviewers were trained by the primary investigator on all aspects of data collection, including rapport building, administration of the semi-structured interview, and debriefing.

The interviews took place in private offices at the community recruitment site or the sponsoring university, depending on participant preference. In order to safeguard against identity disclosure, participants were urged to use a pseudonym and/or to only reference their first name during their interview. At the end of the interview, all participants were debriefed in order to follow up on any statements made during the interview that may indicate psychosocial distress, and to allow for any questions or comments by the youth. This was implemented using a standardized protocol that included procedures for handling emergency situations and/or making mental health referrals. All interviews were audio taped and later transcribed by a professional transcriptionist. These transcriptions were later reviewed by members of the research team for the larger study in order to ensure reliability before being entered into the Qualitative Solutions & Research (QSR) NVivo software for analysis. Unique identifiers, rather than names or personally identifying information, were assigned to each interview in order to protect confidentiality.

Data Analysis

The first step in data analysis involved a reading of all interview transcripts in order to increase familiarity with the data. Authors then re-read the transcripts with a focus on the current study's goal of exploring participants' positive conceptualizations regarding their sexual orientation. Marginal notes and preliminary thematic codes were then created based on the initial patterns observed. When an initial set of codes was developed, the list was used to re-examine the data to ensure validity of codes. Old codes were amended and new ones were created, and transcripts were re-examined and recoded where necessary to ensure that all transcripts were coded accurately and completely. The data were entered into the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (QSR NVivo) to facilitate data storage, coding, and organization. Data matrices were also created as visual representations of the findings, and to assist with the identification of critical factors and emerging themes.

RESULTS

The data related to youths' conceptualizations of being gay/bisexual revealed two major conceptual categories—1) positive personal conceptualizations of being gay/bisexual and 2) resiliency in the face of gay-related oppression. Within each major category, several primary themes and sub-themes emerged. Quotes from participants are offered to illustrate the various themes and sub-themes, and allow for a better understanding of the lived experiences of gay/bisexual adolescents. Names of participants are replaced with a pseudonym to protect their identity—all age, ethnic identity, and sexual orientation labels listed are those reported by the youth.

Positive Personal Conceptualizations of Being Gay/Bisexual

The two themes identified as positive personal conceptualizations of being gay/bisexual were flexibility and connectedness. Within the theme of flexibility, three sub-themes emerged—sexual flexibility, environmental flexibility and gender flexibility. With regard to sexual flexibility, bisexual young men described the ability to have sexual relations with both males and females. One youth commented that being bisexual allowed him to not feel constrained to one sexual orientation category.

Um, positive things? Hum. I don't know. I get to like girls and boys, I guess. Um, I have to classify, I really have a problem with classifying myself. Like that's really an issue with me. I don't like to be classified as one thing, because then it doesn't really make you who you are. It's kind of this blending with the rest of the people. (Justin, 18 year old, multi-racial bisexual male)

In this aspect, the participant gained strength from resisting stereotypes associated with sexual orientation classification. He felt that by not identifying as gay or straight, he was able to be himself around others.

Another aspect of flexibility discussed by participants was the concept of environmental flexibility. Youth commented on how being gay/bisexual allowed them to explore more physical places and spaces, specifically ones that are gay-friendly. In this sub-theme the young men did not discuss the need to escape from unsafe spaces, but rather emphasized the benefits of visiting places specifically tailored to LGBT youth.

Well, I really think I'm really lucky when it comes to that. Like there's just so much available now that like I really like to utilize. Like there's so many organizations, like I go over to [name of agency] and there's gays everywhere. And um, there's just all, there's dances to go to. I love to go dancing. And I mean, it's just like if you like really sit down, like count your blessings, there's so much out there that I'm really like grateful for and like that I really am lucky to have available to me, like when it comes to in terms of like things that are oriented for my sexuality and for people that are like, and for places that I can go and be safe, doing whatever, and stuff like that. That's very important to me. (Paul, 16 year old, Italian gay male)

A third sub-theme, which emerged as a positive conceptualization, was gender flexibility. Participants who discussed gender flexibility reported the ability to experiment with gender roles. Specifically, the youth spoke about their ability to display both masculine and feminine traits.

I think you're free from some of the things that we talked about, some of the ideas of what it means to be a man. You don't really have to, it's not something you really have to think about when you're gay. You can kind of be who you are and not have to worry about um, being masculine or being ah, a stereotypical man. (Michael, 22 year old, White gay male)

Similar to the example on sexual flexibility, this participant utilized a strategy of resisting stereotypes specifically associated with gender. Many of the adolescents who spoke about gender flexibility offered their views on the concept of masculinity, and how being a man has been constructed by society. Individuals whose responses reflected this sub-theme expressed a sense of freedom, as well as a sense of strength gained from rejecting stereotypes associated with being a man.

The second major theme identified as a positive conceptualization was connectedness. Participants focused these internal messages either on being connected with females or connected to the gay community. The youth who described a connection with females emphasized that females generally find gay men trusting and valuable in providing emotional support, as compared to heterosexual men.

Well, I mean, there's a lot of things. I mean, like um, I feel like um, women are more trusting of me because I'm gay. Um, um, which is a plus, because I'm kind of gonna be that rock in a way, like they can come to me and talk to me about stuff. However, I mean, I guess I was coming up like that figure anyways before, but it's definitely more so now. (Sean, 21 year old, Eastern European gay male)

Another participant who commented on connectedness with females argued that the reason for this closeness is the fact that straight men typically befriend women for sexual purposes, while gay men do not. Additionally, he argued that both gay men and straight women are able to share their experiences with male sexual/dating partners and receive advice from one another.

Some youth expressed a sense of connection to the gay community. They discussed feeling connected to other individuals who had gone through similar experiences and their ability to bond through hardships. Participants also expressed the ability to form social support groups with other gay people.

Positive things about being gay? Um, it's, it's very easy to, to, when you do find somebody that is, that is very similar to yourself, it's very easy to find a connection with them because they've endured a lot of the same hardships that you have and, and you, and it's easy to talk, I feel like it's very easy to talk to somebody else who is gay, because they've experienced a lot of the same things that I have in coming and developing their identity. (Patrick, 20 year old, White gay male)

Resiliency in the Face of Gay-Related Oppression

Although many of the youth focused on positive conceptualizations of being gay/bisexual, some identified ways in which they had demonstrated resiliency in the face of oppression. Participants expressed their resiliency in four ways, including acceptance, self-care, rejection of stereotypes, and activism. Inherent in many of the themes and sub-themes in this section is the acknowledgement and confirmation that these youth have experienced various forms of oppression and marginalization related to their sexual orientation, but they demonstrated resiliency and strength in the face of these negative forces.

Youth who discussed messages of acceptance either centered their responses on self-acceptance or acceptance by others. The youth who described self-acceptance argued that exploring their sexuality allowed for the opportunity to be who they are, which resulted in greater feelings of happiness.

Well, um, it's, it's fun (chuckles) at times. Um, positive about being gay? Ah, well, just because it is what I am, um, the more I come to accept it, the more fun I have, I guess, with it. Ah, it's hard to say a lot of positive things of being gay, because society doesn't see it the same way. I don't know. So that's all I have to say. (Ben, 20 year old, White gay male)

Here the participant acknowledges pervasive negative societal views of gay/bisexual people, but he has been able to find self-acceptance and enjoyment in being gay. Another participant who discussed self-acceptance focused on the importance of "not hiding behind something." He empowered himself and gained strength by not concealing his sexual orientation identity around others.

Several of the youth reported acceptance by others as another form of resiliency. They discussed feeling connected to friends who accepted them as gay/bisexual young men, and expressed how such acceptance served as a form of social support. The following youth talks about the fun he has with his friends who are not gay/bisexual and emphasizes that a critical aspect of his relationship with them is that they do not "judge" him or hold negative views of gay/bisexual people

Now the positives, like my friends and stuff, they're the ones I kick it with, them, I'm acting like, okay, we gonna go, we gonna go out with him and we just gonna have fun. We gonna enjoy ourselves, to go the movies, go to whatever, go out to eat and stuff like that. They don't judge me… (Chris, 23 year old, African American gay male)

Participants also acknowledged self-care as a resiliency strategy. Those that stressed the importance of self-care discussed the need to take care of oneself on both an emotional and physical level. Emotional self-care was discussed in the context of acknowledging and being aware of the negative emotional impact of heterosexist societal messages on them as gay/bisexual young men, and then building resistance strategies to such pervasive negativity. This often resulted in increased vigilance around homophobic individuals. One young man discussed the potential negative consequences of being openly gay around "homophobic people" and the need to be responsible when making decisions about sexual orientation disclosure.

And be careful. Be responsible with it. Not just be, I mean, if you're out you have to be careful of like you don't run into like those certain people that's gonna hurt you. Like you have to be responsible enough to take care of yourself, if you're gonna be out….Well, think about like certain things, like think that, try not to get shot or something. Be careful who you tell or who are around, everything, be out and about, like try not to get killed or anything. Because there's a lot of homophobic people out there (Jose, 19 year old, Hispanic queer male)

Physical self-care was typically discussed in the context of physical appearance and sexual health, such as carrying condoms in order to protect one from sexually transmitted infections. This sub-theme was not directly connected to experiences of oppression as gay/bisexual youth, but some of the youth did note higher rates of HIV among gay/bisexual men as a motivating factor in their use of condoms during sexual activity.

I mean, I think if you're bisexual and you're sleeping with guys and girls you should definitely be educated in protecting yourself with a guy as, specifically with a guy or specifically with a girl. (Kevin, 21 year old, Multiracial bisexual male)

Gay/bisexual youth who reported the rejection of stereotypes as another form of resiliency stressed the importance of developing a positive sense of self that is not restricted by societal messages regarding what gay/bisexual men "should" do, think, and feel. Several of the young men shared that the vast majority of general societal images connected with the gay community are negative (e.g., promiscuity and HIV), and promote harmful stereotypes of gay/bisexual men; thus they should be rejected.

… my friends are like, gay guys are supposed to dress like, gay guys are supposed to like be all done up. And um, I think there's the role that, and there's the role of gay people are supposed to hang out in bars in [name of LGB area]. And gay people are supposed to um, gay people are supposed to be affectionate and effeminate and all these different things. And these are all roles that fit a lot of people. But the roles that are also stereotypes. And oftentimes not true. But those are the roles that I think you most commonly see associated with the gay community. (Nick, 18 year old, Irish American gay male)

Finally, several participants talked about activism as another form of resiliency. They highlighted an individual desire to be knowledgeable about issues that have affected the LGBT community, in order to guide their future aspirations. The following youth emphasizes the need for youth to understand the shared history of the gay community, and the sacrifices that people have made in the past (including death) so that the youth of today can have greater freedoms.

It's kind of like the same as being Latino which is like right now you're history and all, like right now where you came from because being gay is more than just being attracted to somebody of the same sex. There's a history behind it. People made sacrifices. People died for this. And just knowing where you've been, or where your people have been, so you know where you're going. I think it's the responsibility of every gay person to know where they want to go. I know a lot of the young people that I work with are like yeah, they don't really care about gay marriages. But they're like, well, in ten or fifteen years, you may care about it. And this is something that affects your brothers and sisters, and just seeing people like that in that view of knowing where you're coming from and fighting for stuff that your community needs. (Oscar, 23 year old, Puerto Rican gay male)

Some youth also discussed the need to educate and support other young gay/bisexual men in order to promote well-being among their peers and support future activism. The following participant discusses the importance of young people having someone who is older to serve as a buffer against negative societal messages and to provide them with affirmation and support.

Yeah, like when you'd be, like to, to I don't know, say educate or to just show the way into the gay world, kind of like, like showing, like helping them get through. Because like, especially for a lot of young people, it can be a very tough thing to do, especially growing up in a place, in a world where it's not the majority and so it's not always considered right or it's not always considered okay, especially when in that kind of place it can be kind of tough for younger people to deal with it. Or to maybe accept it, but just having someone who's older to have like telling you that it is acceptable and you should accept it and be who you are, it's important a lot of times. (Paul, 16 year old, Italian gay male)

DISCUSSION

These findings contribute important information regarding factors that impact self-perceptions of sexual orientation identity among gay/bisexual male youth. Despite social and cultural messages regarding a gay/bisexual sexual orientation, this study demonstrates that these young men were able to embrace positive aspects of being gay/bisexual. Adolescents who emphasized flexibility as one conceptualization were able to express a sense of self-worth and pride in their sexual orientation identity. Young men who described closeness and acceptance from others were able to create social support networks and build resiliency within a hetero-normative environment. Their friends and peers helped them to achieve a positive sense of identity. A few youth even expressed a desire to combat damaging forces, which make it difficult for LGB youth to find acceptance within society. The responses of these adolescents revealed that they were able to construct a positive identity and actively combat negative messages by educating others, seeking resources and fighting stereotypes, which exist about the LGBT community. These individuals emphasized the ability to gain strength through adversity and the belief that members of the LGBT community may do so by working together. Examples of such communal efforts may include the organization of political rallies and public forums or participation in educational endeavors to discuss issues primarily affecting LGBT persons.

In discussing their sexual identities, many participants described examples of societal marginalization and discrimination of gay/bisexual people that is consistent with previous research (c.f., Bontempo & D'Augelli, 2002; Harper & Schneider, 2003; Meyer, 2007; Rivers & D'Augelli, 2001; Scourfield et al., 2008). The youth discussed the way society reinforces heterosexuality and treats "others" with hostility (Okihiro, 2001). Nevertheless, despite difficulties, most participants strived to combat societal forces with the help of social networks, reinforcing earlier findings on resiliencies and coping strategies employed by gay/bisexual male youth (Scourfield et al., 2008; Toro-Alfonso et al., 2006). Additionally, unlike past research, findings demonstrated participants' emphasis on actively resisting discrimination, which could serve as another potential coping strategy or source of resiliency.

Data from this study can be used to shed light on broader issues of social and cultural components of gay/bisexual male adolescents' sense of self and self-acceptance, which may influence healthy adolescent development. The study's findings offer a clearer understanding of how societal messages play a role in gay/bisexual male youths' self perceptions and offer insight into ways to improve the healthy functioning of gay/bisexual youth by challenging negative societal messages.

These findings may also offer information for the development of mental and physical health promotion programs that emphasize the positive aspects of gay/bisexual sexual orientation identity, and the role that self acceptance can play in promoting healthy thoughts and behaviors. Interventions for gay/bisexual youth that go beyond basic education and address these factors may have more sustainable effects since they can support the development of a well-developed positive identity (Harper, 2007). By focusing on positive conceptualizations of being gay/bisexual, interventions may help improve gay/bisexual youths' self esteem and decrease the likelihood that they will participate in health-risk behaviors. Such programs may use innovative strategies to enhance the various forms of resilience utilized by our study participants—acceptance, self-care, rejection of stereotypes, and activism. One example of such a program is the Mpowerment Project, which is a widely used sexual health promotion intervention that includes a focus on enhancing gay/bisexual young men's acceptance of their sexual orientation utilizing community mobilization and peer-based strategies in order to address unique communal needs and empower its members (Kegeles, Hays, & Coates, 1996; Kegeles, Hays, Pollack, Coates, 1999).

In order for programs to be successful, individuals working with gay/bisexual individuals must be sensitive to issues unique to LGB youth populations. Cultural awareness and sensitivity of social service and health care providers is vital for gay/bisexual adolescents to feel support and allow them access to necessary resources (Garofalo & Harper, 2003; Ryan & Futterman, 1998). Providers should be aware of the "lived experiences" of gay/bisexual male youth so their interventions reflect the realities faced by these young men (Harper, 2007). In addition, the unique challenges faced by gay/bisexual youth of color should also be understood and addressed (Harper, Jernewall & Zea, 2004). By understanding the varied messages that gay/bisexual male adolescents receive about their sexual orientation and how they integrate this information into their self perception, individuals working with gay/bisexual male youth will be better prepared for helping them to develop a healthy sense of self. Such was the outcome of a drama production presented by LGB youth at a community teacher's forum which assisted teachers in better understanding youth's experiences with homophobia (Morsillo & Prilleltensky, 2007). Furthermore, social service and health care providers should be aware of community connections that support healthy identity development in order to assist adolescents in making critical social support connections.

The information presented in this study advances our understanding of factors that influence the self-perceptions of sexual orientation identity among gay/bisexual youth. However, some limitations exist. Participants were gay and bisexual youth recruited from two large urban areas with active LGBT communities, thus limiting the ability to generalize findings to youth living in other geographic regions. In addition, this sample was restricted to male youth; therefore, the life experiences of lesbian and bisexual young women were not captured.

In summary, the current data suggest that despite experiences of LGB-related oppression and marginalization, gay/bisexual male youth are able to synthesize their experiences in order to construct a more positive sexual orientation identity. These data speak to the need to encourage and promote more research that explores the lives of gay/bisexual youth utilizing a strengths-based wellness model in order to provide a more comprehensive view of gay/bisexual youth's development (Marszalek & Cashwell, 1999; Rofes, 2005). While continued research on the challenges that gay/bisexual youth face is still needed in order to inform future interventions and public policy, these studies should be cautious not to view gay/bisexual youth through a deficit-focused lens which presents gay/bisexual youth as inferior to heterosexual youth. Instead, researchers should strive to contextualize the life experiences and physical/mental health outcomes of gay/bisexual youth by exploring the potentially negative influence of progressing through critical developmental phases while living in heterosexist and oppressive environments. In addition, studies focused on negative physical and mental health outcomes should strive not only to explore risk factors for such outcomes, but also examine resiliency-based factors which may offer insights into how some gay/bisexual youth are able to thrive in the face of oppression.

Future qualitative and quantitative research focused on the development of a positive sexual orientation identity among gay/bisexual youth is needed. Moreover, the impact of societal and cultural influences on youths' perceptions of their sexual orientation identity should be addressed, as well as the resiliency strategies they use in the face of oppression and marginalization. Such information will assist in the creation of successful interventions that focus on the unique needs of gay/bisexual adolescents and support their healthy growth and development.

Biography

•

Gary W. Harper (ude.luaped@reprahg) is Professor in the Department of Psychology and Director of the Master of Public Health Program at DePaul University, and his research and community work focus on giving voice to the social justice needs of young people, especially gay/bisexual male youth. Asya Brodsky is a licensed social worker working in a comprehensive HIV clinic in Chicago, and her research interests include sexual identify development, sexual and reproductive functioning, and sexual violence prevention. Douglas Bruce is a Research Scientist in the Master of Public Health Program at DePaul University, and his research interests include health and identity development among young gay and bisexual men.

Footnotes

¹The Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN) is funded by grant Nos. 5 U01 HD 40533 and 5 U01 HD 40474 from the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (A. Rogers, PhD, MPH; K. Ryan, PhD; B. Kapogiannis, MD), with supplemental funding from the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (N. Borek, PhD), Mental Health (P. Brouwers, PhD), and Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (K. Bryant, PhD). The study was scientifically reviewed by the ATN's Behavioral Leadership Group. Network scientific and logistical support was provided by the ATN Coordinating Center (C. Wilson, C. Partlow), at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Network operations were provided by the ATN Data and Operations Center at Westat, Inc. (G. Selkin-Gutman, J. Korelitz, and B. Driver). We would like to thank Larry Friedman, MD, PI of the Miami Adolescent Trials Unit and the staff of the Behavioral Health Promotion Program (Cesar deFuentes, Luis Alzamora, Cristobal Plaza, and Leah Varga). The investigators are grateful to the members of the Community Advisory Board for their insight and counsel and are particularly indebted to the youth who participated in this study.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326393/

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