Life-World of Sexual Minorities: A Journey from Questioning to Life after Coming Out

Abstract

 Identifying one as belonging to a sexual minority has serious implications on oneself. The journey that begins with questioning and self-identification followed by coming out has a long-standing effect in shaping one’s life whether it be socially or personally. Although the process focuses on identifying oneself and exploring one’s sexuality and sexual orientation the impact of it in society is tremendous. The process includes the complexities of dealing with homophobic people and the stigma associated and can be dreadful as the journey progresses. Identifying as sexual minority especially in a country like India where the mainstream culture provokes such practices has even serious effects. The study aims to understand the journey and the life-world of lesbian and gay persons in Kerala with focus on the coping strategies and strengths that aided in resolving the conflicts and empowered them to strive through. The study is qualitative in nature and multiple case study design was used to obtain detailed data.