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Introduction <p>Various local and transnational institutions, policies, and organizations have framed coming out as a homogenous concept, often promoting a linear narrative of identity disclosure. While this approach remains dominant for many, an expanding body of more nuanced and less linear models of coming out has emerged within science and activism. Taking into account critical scholarship on coming out, this study investigates the meaning and patterns of coming out among different generations of non-heterosexual males in a non-Western, Bulgarian context.</p> Methods <p>This study is based on 63 in-depth interviews (semi-structured interview guide) with non-heterosexual males in Bulgaria from June 2020 to April 2021. The data were analyzed using NVivo research software.</p> Results <p>The data from this study suggest that (1) culturally defined family ties and geography are among the main obstacles to those willing to come out; (2) the respondents use six different patterns of “strategic coming out” that are greatly influenced by their understanding of gay identity and gay culture; (3) coming out does not automatically lead to political engagement; (4) “outing” on social media by activist circles threatens the coming out strategies and well-being of the “outed”; (5) social class of parents directly influence coming out strategies; and (6) the anti-gender campaigns have the potential to revitalize the political importance of coming out.</p> Conclusions <p>The data suggest that a conventional linear approach to coming out in a Bulgarian context would ignore geographic and cultural factors, miss out on hidden experiences, and jeopardize the security and wells-being of certain non-heterosexual people.</p> <p>Policy Implications</p> <p>The data from this study can be used for (1) reconsideration of linear homogeneous approaches within the EU LGBTQI+ strategies and policies; (2) implementation of tailor-made approaches and policies by LGBTQI+ organizations; (3) improvement of quantitative study indicators; and (4) risk assessment and improved access to hard-to-reach groups in public health policies.</p>

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Whose “Coming Out“? Patterns of Coming Out Among Non-Heterosexual Males in Bulgaria

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月8日

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  • Shaban Darakchi

摘要

Introduction

Various local and transnational institutions, policies, and organizations have framed coming out as a homogenous concept, often promoting a linear narrative of identity disclosure. While this approach remains dominant for many, an expanding body of more nuanced and less linear models of coming out has emerged within science and activism. Taking into account critical scholarship on coming out, this study investigates the meaning and patterns of coming out among different generations of non-heterosexual males in a non-Western, Bulgarian context.

Methods

This study is based on 63 in-depth interviews (semi-structured interview guide) with non-heterosexual males in Bulgaria from June 2020 to April 2021. The data were analyzed using NVivo research software.

Results

The data from this study suggest that (1) culturally defined family ties and geography are among the main obstacles to those willing to come out; (2) the respondents use six different patterns of “strategic coming out” that are greatly influenced by their understanding of gay identity and gay culture; (3) coming out does not automatically lead to political engagement; (4) “outing” on social media by activist circles threatens the coming out strategies and well-being of the “outed”; (5) social class of parents directly influence coming out strategies; and (6) the anti-gender campaigns have the potential to revitalize the political importance of coming out.

Conclusions

The data suggest that a conventional linear approach to coming out in a Bulgarian context would ignore geographic and cultural factors, miss out on hidden experiences, and jeopardize the security and wells-being of certain non-heterosexual people.

Policy Implications

The data from this study can be used for (1) reconsideration of linear homogeneous approaches within the EU LGBTQI+ strategies and policies; (2) implementation of tailor-made approaches and policies by LGBTQI+ organizations; (3) improvement of quantitative study indicators; and (4) risk assessment and improved access to hard-to-reach groups in public health policies.