Delayed Coming Out in Older Adults: The Influence of Compulsory Heterosexuality among LGBP Individuals

This study investigates the lived experiences of older LGBP individuals in India who came out later in life, with a specific focus on the role of compulsory heterosexuality. The research draws on in-depth interviews with 12 self-identified queer individuals aged 30 and above. Six interrelated themes emerged: Internalization of Heteronormativity, Cultural and Familial Pressures, Psychological Toll of Delayed Coming Out, The Journey to Self-Recognition, Navigating Social Stigma and Ageism, and Reimagining the Future. These themes reveal how heteronormative structures and expectations deeply shaped participants' early identities and delayed their self-disclosure. The analysis, grounded in Adrienne Rich’s framework of compulsory heterosexuality, highlights the tension between imposed social roles and authentic selfhood. Despite years of silence and repression, participants described powerful journeys toward self-recognition, queer joy, and hope. This study offers critical insights into how queerness is negotiated across the life course and calls for more inclusive mental health support, visibility, and community engagement for older LGBTQ+ individuals in the Indian context.