Coming out : a journey towards pride : an exploration of the coming out experience of lesbian and bisexual young women

Abstract

This study explores the coming out process as experienced by lesbian and bisexual young women in an attempt to explain how this is affected by society and homophobia. This study aims at analysing whether the younger generation is less homophobic and if social work service is perceived to be of need in post-secondary schools. The respondents were selected on the criteria of being female and attending sixth form education. To compare and contrast with the findings, an interview with an older lesbian woman was held to be used as an illustration. This study shows that homophobia is decreasing amongst adolescents and this is allowing lesbian and bisexual young women to be more open about their sexual orientation. It has also been found that social work services are perceived to be of need amongst the students of post-secondary education.