The term "queer" is often used to describe people who do not identify themselves as heterosexual, cisgender, or binary gendered. This can include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, nonbinary, and more. Many cultures around the world are becoming increasingly accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights, but there are still some places where homophobia, discrimination, and violence remain commonplace. In such environments, queer youth may feel pressure to conceal their identity from family members, friends, and peers out of fear for their safety or to preserve their reputation. This collectivist emphasis on family reputation can lead to emotional disclosure and authenticity problems for these young people.
Collectivism values the group above the individual and prioritizes social harmony over personal expression. It is particularly prevalent in many Asian countries, Latin America, and Africa, as well as among immigrant communities in North America and Europe.
In China, the concept of _guanxi_ refers to relationships based on mutual obligation and trust. Queer individuals who come out risk losing this support network by exposing secrets that could be perceived as damaging to those connections. They may also face rejection from loved ones if they open up about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In collectivist societies, family honor is an important aspect of social status. Parents want their children to make them proud through academic achievement, career success, marriage prospects, and other accomplishments. Coming out as queer could threaten this image if it leads to negative judgments from others. Young people may hesitate to share intimate details with family members out of fear that doing so would damage their reputation and create difficulties for everyone involved.
Some LGBTQ+ youth choose not to discuss their private lives at all. They keep their dating partners hidden or use pseudonyms when interacting online, avoid mentioning same-sex attractions or nonbinary identities in public settings, and refrain from speaking honestly about their feelings around sexual desire. This can cause emotional distress, leading to depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors. The lack of authentic communication can lead to strained relationships between parents and children, siblings, friends, and romantic partners.
There are ways to address these issues without compromising safety or privacy. Families can seek counseling or therapy together to work through any conflicts related to coming out or accepting different identities. Individuals can join support groups, attend Pride events, and participate in activism to connect with like-minded peers who understand the challenges they face. It's essential for all parties involved to approach conversations with empathy, respect, and openness to change.
By recognizing the collectivist emphasis on family reputation and its impact on emotional disclosure, we can help young people navigate difficult topics while maintaining healthy connections within their communities. This allows them to express themselves authentically without sacrificing their wellbeing or safety.
How does collectivist emphasis on family reputation influence emotional disclosure and authenticity for queer youth?
The study by Zhang et al. (2019) found that collectivism can affect emotional expression and disclosure of LGBTQ+ individuals. According to their research, people who grew up in more collectivistic cultures tend to be less likely to express negative feelings and emotions because they are concerned about maintaining the image of their families. They also reported feeling pressure from society to conform to traditional gender roles, which may lead them to conceal parts of themselves.