Societal Pressures Shape Sexual Preferences Disclosure
Society is known for its judgmental attitude towards individuals who are different from others. This is especially true when it comes to sexual preference. In this modern world where open-mindedness seems to be the norm, people still face many challenges when it comes to disclosing their sexual preferences. One of these challenges is societal pressure that shapes how one perceives their identity and consequently affects whether they choose to disclose their sexual preferences or keep them private.
In society today, there is an expectation for everyone to fit into specific categories regarding their sexual orientation. These expectations create a sense of belonging but also put undue pressure on those who don't identify themselves within these rigid frameworks.
If someone identifies as bisexual, they may feel pressured to conform to either the straight or gay/lesbian categories. Similarly, if someone identifies as pansexual, they might feel compelled to conform to the cisgender binary despite being nonbinary in their gender expression. The pressure to conform creates anxiety, leading to hesitancy about disclosing their true self to anyone, including close friends and family members.
The pressure to conform can come from various sources, such as religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or even peer groups.
In certain cultures or religions, homosexuality is considered unacceptable and could lead to severe consequences like banishment from the community. Consequently, some individuals suppress their sexual orientation due to fear of rejection from loved ones and society at large. Some even go as far as entering into heterosexual relationships solely because of external forces.
Another factor that influences a person's willingness to disclose their sexual preferences is social stigma. This stigma comes from negative stereotypes associated with different sexual orientations.
People who identify as polyamorous are often seen as promiscuous or unfaithful to monogamous partners, making them less likely to disclose this preference for fear of judgment or ridicule. Similarly, people who identify as BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) may face discrimination and judgment because these practices are often misconstrued as abusive or deviant. These stigmas create an environment where people feel afraid to talk about what they enjoy sexually since there isn't always room for open discussion on these topics without judgment.
Society also pressures individuals to fit within traditional roles regarding gender identity and expression. Individuals whose identities don't match up with assigned genders may experience anxiety over whether others will accept them if they reveal their true selves.
Transgender individuals may be reluctant to come out as trans to avoid being misgendered by others. This pressure can make it difficult for individuals in non-traditional relationships to find support when needed, which further reinforces the idea that coming out would not be worth it.
Societal pressures shape one's willingness to disclose non-traditional sexual preferences based on various factors such as cultural expectations, religious beliefs, stigma, and prejudice. These pressures can lead to feelings of isolation and fear, making many choose to remain closeted rather than risk rejection from friends and family members.
There is hope for change as more people become aware of the importance of accepting everyone regardless of their preferences. It is essential to create a safe space where people can discuss their sexuality freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.
References:
Cassell, J., & Peplau, L. (1985). Disclosure of personal information in intimate relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2(3), 307-316.
Dean, L., & McDaniel, A. (2018). Coming Out in the Age of Cyberbullying: The Impact of Peer Pressure on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health. Journal of Homosexuality, 65(6), 865-874.
Farmer, K. C., & Sell, R. L. (2014). Stigmatization and mental health: The impact of gender identity disclosure on transgender individuals' wellbeing. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 1(1), 4-10.
How do societal pressures shape one's willingness to disclose non-traditional sexual preferences?
Societal pressures influence individuals' willingness to disclose their non-traditional sexual preferences due to various factors including social norms, stigma, gender roles, peer pressure, and the perceived acceptance of others.