Gay and Bisexual Married Men's Attitudes and Experiences : Homophobia, Reasons for Marriage, and Self-Identity

M. Pearcey

In this study, 20 gay or bisexual men's experiences of coming out to wives is explored. Specifically, their attitudes and behaviors before, during, and after marriage are examined. Findings are provided about upbringing, reasons for entering marriage, and the coming out process. Through semi-structured interviews information was obtained about the factors which led up to the revelation of homosexuality or bisexuality and about how these men experienced their relationships with their wives and family after coming out. The interviews revealed the fears which prevented these men from coming out earlier in their lives. The most common reason for entering marriage was due to social and family pressure and because of the desire to have a normal, healthy life. Attitudes toward gays and lesbians were negative before marriage and worsened following disclosure.[Copies are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Center. The Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA]