"WHY CAN'T I LEAD A NORMAL LIFE?": UNDERSTANDING THE MEANINGS OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG SINGAPOREAN GAY MEN

Abstract

Mental health is often defined as a state of wellbeing in which an individual can realise his full potential and live as a productive citizen. However, gay men in Singapore are not allowed to openly express their identity as gay men due to the criminality of homosexuality, let alone live their lives to the fullest. Given the potential implications of this criminalisation, it is surprising that there exists a paucity of research on Singaporean gay men’s mental health. Based on the notion that health inequalities arise from the erasure of marginalised voices, this thesis explores the meanings of mental health among gay Singaporean men. Employing the Culture-Centered Approach as its conceptual framework, this study asks four research questions: (i) What are the meanings of mental health among Singaporean gay men? (ii) What are the challenges that gay men in Singapore face? (iii) How do gay men negotiate their mental health in the context of Singapore? and (iv) What is the nature of communication about mental health among Singaporean gay men within the interplay of culture, structure, and agency? A thematic analysis of 13 indepth, semi-structured interviews rooted in grounded theory revealed four themes: (i) Sexuality and Mental Health, (ii) Structural Impediments and Social Injustices, (iii) “And… I am Gay.” and (iv) Articulations of Hope and Self-worth. Findings unveil the nuances of gay men’s mental health and sexuality, and the necessity of enacting their agency amidst structural discrimination and heteronormativity to improve their mental health.