Examining "'Live' Coming Out as Gay Videos on YouTube: Stigma, Ambiguity, and Identity Development

Identifier

84

Author

Michael Morrell Chando

Date

2016

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Professional Studies

Major

Professional Studies

Concentration

Human Services

Committee Member

Carol Rambo

Abstract

This study examines 'live' coming out videos featuring gay males, in which a YouTuber films a coming out experience and uploads it for viewers. Oftentimes the outcomes of coming out are framed as exclusively positive or negative by researchers. This study examines an alternative category, "the ambiguous coming out" in which the outcome is unclear. A comprehensive literature review is provided for examination and expansion of current research, and I propose a theory of coming out based around the concept of stigma. I find that coming out experiences and reactions are not always as simple as accepting versus unaccepting. Outcomes may be better understood as existing on a continuum.

Comments

Undergraduate Honor's Thesis

Library Comment

Honors thesis originally submitted to the Local University of Memphis Honor’s Thesis Repository.

Recommended Citation

Chando, Michael Morrell, "Examining "'Live' Coming Out as Gay Videos on YouTube: Stigma, Ambiguity, and Identity Development" (2016). Honors Theses. 48.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/honors_theses/48