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The female spouse: A process of separation when a husband 'comes out' as gay

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  • Siobhán C Daly
  • Pádraig MacNeela
  • Kiran M Sarma

Abstract

This study investigated the stories of heterosexual women who experienced a husband coming out as gay and a consequential marital separation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used. Loss, anger, spousal empathy and concerns regarding societal prejudice were reported. Additional stress was experienced when others minimised the experience due to the gay sexual orientation of their husband. Experiencing positive communication with their husband during and after the disclosure aided the resolution of the emotional injury experienced by them. They all eventually ‘let go’ of their husband. This involved a process of reconceptualising the self as separated. Findings indicate the importance of supporting women to re-focus on their needs during and following marital dissolution. The importance of non-judgemental support for marital loss, rather than a focus on the gay sexual orientation of the spouse, was highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Siobhán C Daly & Pádraig MacNeela & Kiran M Sarma, 2018. "The female spouse: A process of separation when a husband 'comes out' as gay," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0203472
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203472
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    1. Koopmans, Gerrit T. & Lamers, Leida M., 2007. "Gender and health care utilization: The role of mental distress and help-seeking propensity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(6), pages 1216-1230, March.
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