LGB identities and coming out experiences of college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the level of the LGB identities and coming out experiences of college students at Capiz State University, Pontevedra Campus School Year 2018-2019. This is a survey-associational research which uses adapted questionnaires from Mohr and Kendra (2011) and Williford T. Abunas (2018). Data were analyzed and interpreted using mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and Pearson r. Data revealed that college students were generally aware of their homosexual feelings and behaviors but have not yet fully integrated it in their identities. The college students exhibited feelings of apprehension in coming out. Fear of rejection and discrimination among close relationships also played a major role in the decision-making process. Regardless of gender, college students displayed similarities of feelings and behaviors pertaining to homosexuality. They were attracted to people of the same sex and fear other people’s reactions. For gay, lesbian, and bisexual students, they admitted of having the same feelings of discrimination, uncertainty, concealment motivation, acceptance concerns which cause difficulty in identity formation process. The coming out experiences of college students originated from their own personal decisions which may vary depending on their confusion, tolerance, and acceptance. The homosexual identities of the students were lowly connected in their coming out experiences. In short, they were independent forces that work significantly in the lives of college students.