This study aimed to examine the relationship between ethnic identity, internalised sexual stigma, perceived belonging and perceived identity threat among Malaysian LGBTQ+. Malaysian LGBTQ+ have always been an indispensable part of the larger Malaysian society. Being discriminated against and marginalised by a heterosexist society (i.e., Malaysia), LGBTQ+ individuals may more or less experience some sense of identity threat when first realising their sexual minority identity and distinct sexual orientation. As a result, LGBTQ+ individuals may in turn internalise social homophobia and form a negative self-view, creating barriers to self-acceptance. Due to internalised homophobia, LGBTQ+ individuals might devalue their identity, resulting in them facing challenges on sexual identity development and hardship in acknowledging their own identities. When a choice of identification is required, others rejected to make a choice because it would mean denying a vital part of their identity. 210 Malaysian participants (self-identify as LGBTQ+; aged between 18 and 55 years old) were recruited to complete a correlational online survey consisting of several questionnaires. The current study found statistically significant correlation analyses between those Malaysian LGBTQ+ who come out versus closeted. A forced entry multiple linear regression was conducted to analyse the collected data. Supporting the hypotheses, ethnic identity, internalised sexual stigma were significantly associated with perceived belonging and perceived identity threat among Malaysian LGBTQ+. The strongest predictor of perceived identity threat is internalised sexual stigma. Implications and limitations of the findings were discussed.

Authors:
Brendon Ren Jie Ban, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
Joo Hou Ng, IMU University, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Brendon is currently a Master of Counseling student based at Universiti Malaya with interests in social identity, perceptions, and intergroup processes (i.e., stereotype, discrimination, minority and majority influence).

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendonban/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brendon-Ren-Jie-Ban/

Additional website of interest
https://www.brendonban.me/

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