Chugui/Coming Out in Chinese Families

: A Relational Approach to Politics, Individualisation, and Experiences of Coming Out to Parents

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of coming out to parents, or chugui (‘出柜’) in Chinese, examining the relational perspectives of both Chinese parents and their LGB+ adult children in mainland China. Utilising a qualitative approach, the research comprises semi-structured online interviews with 28 participants: 14 young adults (aged 23-32) and 14 parents. This research aims to investigate how coming out is navigated within Chinese family settings, the strategies employed by both children and their parents, and the factors shaping parental acceptance and adaptation over time.

The findings highlight that coming out is not a singular event but a continuous and iterative process involving active engagement from both parties. Parents and children employed various strategies or pathways throughout their coming out experiences. These strategies or pathways include 1.) pudian (‘铺垫’, literally means ‘laying the groundwork’), a crucial preparation stage in the coming out process; 2.) coming out was triggered by changes in the child’s same-sex partnership; 3.) coming out to parents was also shaped by parents’ discovery and subsequent confrontation; 4.) coming out to parents was also an occurrence related to dynamic communication within parental relationship; and 5.) unwarranted disclosures influenced by external interpersonal interventions. In addition, the study captures a range of responses from both parents and children, ranging from disbelief, shock, distress, resolution, consoling, and dismissal of bisexual identity. This study also identifies varying levels of parents’ acceptance observed during the fieldwork, ranging from non-acceptance and conditional acceptance to unconditional acceptance.

Further, the research also details post-disclosure journey of parental adaptations, acceptance, and evolving support, emphasising the reciprocal support exchanged between parents and children. It examines the factors influencing this transition, including children’s self-empowering and confidence over their own sexual orientation, parents’ gradual departure from traditional family values, the pivotal role of mothers as primary supporters, the influence of support from same-sex partners, the impact of parents’ peer support networks or groups, and the restorative feedback provided by psychological professionals. Furthermore, this study delves into how parent-child relationships continued and evolved, how both parties supported mutually, the acceptance and inclusion of the child’s same-sex partners, and collaborative efforts in support advocacy. This thesis makes a new empirical contribution by foregrounding the relational and dynamic nature of the coming out to parents process in mainland China, expanding current understandings beyond individual-centric or Western-focused frameworks. It also discusses broader policy and practical implications for family relationships and support systems in the context of sexual orientation disclosures.

Date of Award	30 Sept 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Misa Izuhara (Supervisor) & William Turner (Supervisor)