The occupational experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals during the coming out process: An analysis of self-acceptance, disclosure, and occupational change

Human occupation is an intensely individual process that is colored by the cultural and life experiences of the individual who is engaged in an activity. The experiences of gender and sexual minorities typically defined as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals are different in many ways from the rest of the population. One occupation unique to this community is the process of “coming out” in which the individual discloses their minority sexual orientation or gender identity to others. The coming out process is complex and multi-faceted, involving both the internal reflective process of first self-accepting one’s orientation and identity and then the process of sharing it with others. Because of the stigmatized nature of LGBT orientations and identities this occupation often precipitates a great deal of occupational change involving occupational deprivation, marginalization, adaptation and gain