Navigating LGBTQ+ visibility in Poland: evidence from a community experiencing minority stress.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the visibility management strategies used by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community in Poland. Narrative interviews were conducted with ten adults who had experienced minority stress, affecting their family, school, professional and social lives. In the process of coming out, all the interviewees had adopted at least two visibility management strategies. These strategies included avoidance, pretence/fitting in, escape, aggression/defence, and openness. Findings contribute to understanding of the visibility management strategies used by individuals who experience minority stress and illustrate the individual aspects of the visibility management process as influenced by the family and social context. The conclusions reached should be treated as the starting point for further research on visibility management among gender and sexuality minority individuals in Poland.