Homosexual orientation in childhood and adolescence: experiences of concealment and prejudice

Objective

To identify how was the process of discovery of homosexual orientation in lesbians and gays.

Methods

Cross-sectional and qualitative study of homosexuals in Juazeiro municipality, Ceará, Brazil, by applying a semi-structured interview. Data were organized according to Bardin Analysis Technique and analyzed from the training category. It adhered to the ethical principles of research approval by the Research Ethics Committee.

Results

The participants were 27 homosexuals (gays and lesbians). The interviewees revealed that in childhood there were the first manifestations of sexual desires and curiosities with individuals of the same sex, and having during adolescence, the definition of homosexual orientation as result of the implementation of the first homosexual relationships. They revealed that the identity crisis they went through are not unique to homosexuality discovery process, but are also present in adulthood as a result of prejudice and social discrimination, resulting in health problems, especially the psychological.

Conclusion

Homosexual individuals have difficulties in discovery, definition and disclosure of their sexual orientation due to the prevailing heteronormative cultural patterns.