Self-stigma, Homosexual Identity and 'Coming Out': A Comparative Study of Lesbians in Hong Kong and Mainland China

Abstract

To investigate coming out and its relationships to shame, self-stigma, homosexual identity, and perceived social support in Chinese lesbians from two different cultural settings—Mainland China (N = 244) and Hong Kong (N = 234). Results of structural equation modeling, which were identical between the two groups, showed that the experience of shame increased self-stigma and devalue one’s identity as a homosexual, which in turn reduces one’s likelihood to come out. Shame also reduced perceived support from friends which in turn exacerbated self-stigma among lesbians. Support from family was unrelated to coming out. Coming out to family members, especially fathers and other relatives, were highly unlikely in both societies. Results were discussed in relation to the cultural stigma attached to homosexuality and the cultural practice of shaming that parents use to socialize children.