Between Identity and Obligation: Queer Males Navigating Mixed Orientation Marriages

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Sexual orientation is an understudied and controversial in South Asia. In Collectivist cultures, people deny rights to liberty of queer people most queer people end up marrying non-queer individuals. Considering prevalence of social phobia and a significant lack of education or awareness on the topic of identity, gender and sexuality within the society, queer population is forced to spend their lives under a havoc of shame and neglect within heteronormative social structure of marriage.

Methodology: The current study explores the lived experiences in mixed orientation marriages and to execute this qualitative study phenomenological research design was used. A sample of 7 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds who were all Pakistani, 18+ adult, male, queer, and married/divorced were selected using snowball sampling technique. Data was collected using the face-to-face interview method technique. Collected data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. 7 major themes emerged as a result which provide in-depth insight into lived experiences, challenges, and coping strategies through which queer people navigate across the intersection of their marital status and queer identity.

Findings: Findings contribute to a significant gap in the existing literature over the lived experiences of queer population and may help design culturally informed counselling techniques or policy for said population.

Conclusion: The study highlights the profound emotional, social and identity-related challenges faced by queer men in mixed-orientation marriages within a collectivistic society like Pakistan. The findings emphasize the importance of awareness, acceptance and culturally appropriate mental health services for queer individuals.