Abstract

This qualitative study examined gay men’s recalled conversations about sexual identity and sexual behaviors with both their mothers and fathers. Thirteen interviews with gay men, ages 19-30, were analyzed using the iterative inductive and deductive processes related to descriptive qualitative analysis. Results showed that parents initially assumed their sons were heterosexual, initially viewed homosexuality as a sin, engaged in conversations around sexual safety, and provided limited HIV information in these conversations. However, mothers approached these conversations with broader emotional reactions to their son’s sexuality, while fathers displayed narrower sentimental ranges and provided more tangible, less emotional support for their sons. Though these mothers and fathers were accepting of their sons, they drew from their socialized gender experiences when engaging in these conversations. Recommendations guiding parents and children to start or continue in such conversations are provided.

摘要

这项定性研究调查了男同性恋者与父母双方关于性身份和性行为的回忆对话。使用与描述性定性分析相关的迭代归纳和演绎过程分析了对 19-30 岁男同性恋者的 13 次访谈。结果显示，父母最初假设他们的儿子是异性恋，最初将同性恋视为一种罪恶，参与围绕性安全的对话，并在这些对话中提供有限的艾滋病毒信息。然而，母亲对儿子的性取向表现出更广泛的情感反应，而父亲则表现出更窄的情感范围，并为儿子提供更多有形的、更少的情感支持。虽然这些父母接受了他们的儿子，在参与这些对话时，他们借鉴了社会化的性别经验。提供了指导父母和孩子开始或继续进行此类对话的建议。