Sexual Identity Veil – Concealment and Disclosure of Sexual Orientation of Lesbian and Gay

Abstract Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human identity, and its expression plays a significant role in personal, relational, and societal engagements. Expressing sexuality allows individuals to explore and understand their desires, preferences, and boundaries, contributing to a stronger sense of self. However, it is important to navigate sexual expression with respect for oneself and others, considering cultural, social, and safety context. Sexual minorities and Gender minorities are historically marginalized community in whole over the world and they are target multifaceted violence. Sexual orientation is a stigmatizable characteristic, which may lead to a person being discredited when it is revealed (Chrobot- Mason et al., 2001), and gays and lesbians are called “invisible minorities” because sexual orientations cannot be easily identified from physical appearance only (Fassinger, 1991). Some lesbians and gay men maintained separate public and private lives, presenting as heterosexual in public while being open about their orientation in private or within trusted circles. Demonstrating socially agreeable behavior mostly provides a safe and comfortable environment to a great extent. Sexual minorities interact with the surrounding diligently without giving any chance to be caught. It should be noted that, taking false identity is only for survival, as a coping strategy, and it's not like devolution of sexual orientation and curing method, and also it does not mean that the mental health of lesbian and gay individuals is good or bad. There are myriad studies done to explore the psychological and mental health of sexual minorities; however this article only focused on the strategies taken the lesbian and gay individual for their survival and existence.