youth, homossexuality and diversity: a study on the process of ‘coming out of the closet’ using body-maps

This research aimed to study the perceptions and representations of young people on the process of coming out of the closet and the impacts on their daily lives regarding autonomy, inclusion and social participation. Moreover, it sought to know facilitating factors, obstacles and strategies used. The research consisted of an exploratory qualitative study with 2 gay and 2 lesbian youth between 18 and 24 years through body map storytelling method, which consists of life-size human body images created through drawing and painting and, complemented by oral narratives. The content analysis identified three central themes: (a) Prejudice, Stigma and Empowerment and comprises the social representations of homosexuality and how processes of resistance and empowerment operate; (B) Discrimination, Isolation and Social Participation refers to perceptions on how the process of coming out of the closet affects the daily life, particularly in family, school, work and social/cultural contexts; (C) Opportunities to change and life projects development summarizes expectations and visions of future for their lives and the transformation of society in terms of respect for sexual diversity. In conclusion, the current discourses on homosexuality permeate the participants’ sayings, especially on issues related to prejudice and discrimination to the LGBT population in Brazil. It is worth highlighting the importance of a close social network to the process of coming out.