Cultural influences on the lifestyle of lesbians

Abstract

How does culture influence the way of life and the self perceptions of Lesbians? This comparative study between Maltese and Canadian lesbians aims to research the way culture affects the way Lesbians live and the way they perceive themselves, also looking into what aspects of culture influence most. The study was done qualitatively; with ten semi structured interviews, five with Maltese and the other five with Canadian participants. A thematic analysis was further conducted and the themes were divided into those in which Malta and Canada are similar and those in which they differ. The following themes emerged wherein Malta and Canada differ; a) attitudes hurt most; b) activists demanding change; c) effects of internalized homophobia; d) support and its effects; e) religion and homosexuality. And the themes in which Malta and Canada were similar are; a) fear of parental confrontation; b) friend's reactions; c) work and social life {the present}; d) thoughts about the future. I discussed the fact that the younger generations are becoming more aware of homosexuality and more accepting, which results in less harassment. The universal importance of coming out to parents was also discussed, along with the idea that lack of talks about homosexuality in schools and religion increase internalized homophobia and invisibility. Finally the need for support and what support seems to work most was also discussed.