Can I be out here?

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the discourses encountered regarding sexual orientation in leisure settings and the subsequent influence of those discourses on both leisure experience and identity. Participants were female-identified, aged 18-23 years, and reported sexual attraction and/or sexual encounters with other female-identified persons. Data were collected via three semi-structured interviews per participant across six to ten weeks. Participants were asked to keep notes regarding details of their leisure experiences between interviews and these notes were used to prompt memory and elicit detail during interviews. Results indicated that participants read seven broad categories of cues in leisure settings to ascertain the likelihood of safety and the degree to which they could be out regarding sexual orientation in those contexts. Additionally, results indicated heteronormative discourse diminished the enjoyment of leisure experiences and the degree of identity expression related to identity as a sexual minority youth. Recommendations are given for future research and for creating more welcoming environments for sexual minority youth.