Examining the experiences of non-heterosexual men in heteronormative Singaporean families

Abstract

This is a study of non-heterosexual men’s experiences with the idealized, heteronormative Singaporean family unit. Qualitative interviews with 20 non-heterosexual men were conducted and analyzed in relation to both the formation and confirmation of their sexual identities. Examining the emergence of ‘plastic sexuality’ (Giddens, 1992) vis-à-vis the sexual socialization process, findings indicate that families, among other social institutions, perform facilitative roles in the formation of individualized sexual identities. Both the family of origin and procreation are observed to remain significantly relevant to the lives of sexual minorities as pivotal sources of support, especially in the context of a heteronormative society. Providing empirical evidence of diversity in the family unit, this project surfaces problems with assuming the centrality of the family in the (hetero)sexual socialization of children, while highlighting impetus for the state’s increasing role in the management of a diverse, ‘inclusive’ society as an imperative for its citizenry.