Abstract
In this qualitative research study, I explore the lived experiences of Black gay men in
their process of coming out. The study sought to gain an understanding of their journeys from
the moment that they realized that they were gay and how this process unfolded. I conducted
semi-structured interviews online via Zoom with eight Black South African gay men who
lived in Gauteng. The participants were between the ages of 18 and 45. The interviews
focused on their social experiences of coming out and living as Black gay men. The
interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The study used a qualitative research
design using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens to critically examine and understand
the coming out process of Black gay men. I analyzed the interview transcripts using Braun
and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis. The data was sorted into initial codes, and thereafter, seven
themes emerged, namely Culture, Religion and Family; Intersectional Difference; The
Coming Out Process; The Why; Mental Health Outcomes; Coping Mechanisms and
Feedback. Each main theme is comprised of several sub-themes. In a nutshell, the results
revealed that social systems such as culture, religion and family impact the unique coming
out process of Black gay men. Although coming out was viewed as beneficial by the
participants, the consensus held was that this process comes with adverse mental health
outcomes such as anxiety and depression. The study also revealed that Black gay men
conceal their sexuality and engage in role flexing and dissociation to cope with the
microaggressions experienced during coming out. Moreover, while coming out may be
beneficial for Black gay men, the culmination of their negative experiences within their
various social contexts results in harmful outcomes for their mental health.
Keywords: coming out, Black gay men, culture, religion, family, heteronormativity,
masculinity, gender roles, social constructivism, intersectionality