THE SEXUAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT OF GAY YOUTHS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This qualitative study is devoted to exploring the internal and external processes of how gay male adolescents came to identify their sexual identity and how they experience their lives as gay adolescents in Singapore. Using a phenomenological approach, seven interviews were conducted with gay youths between the ages of 21 and 26 years old. The aims of the study are to disclose what it means to be gay in the context of Singapore society, to seek out new and positive ways to catalogue the lived experiences of gay youths and lastly, to address the knowledge and competency gaps in social work practice in the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, and Queers (LGBTQ) areas. Specifically, the sexual identity development, coming out process, present challenges, hopes and future goals will be explored. Emergent themes are identified, and the phenomenon of gay identity development is described through the voices of these gay youths. Implications for future research are explored.