Coming In after Coming Out: Clinician Perspectives on Masculinity Identity in Adolescent Gay Men.

Title: Coming In after Coming Out: Clinician Perspectives on Masculinity Identity in Adolescent Gay Men.

Description: This qualitative case study explores how clinician perspectives of gay men has evolved since the mid-twentieth century when homosexuality was pathologised by psychiatry and psychologists as a mental disorder. While there are a number of studies focusing on adult gay men and hegemonic masculinity, there are very few studies focusing on adolescent gay men and what role hegemonic masculinity plays in their development.

Clinicians are uniquely positioned in their work with adolescent gay men to provide ongoing, evidence-based treatment while simultaneously providing a rare space for them to open up about their experiences.

The primary research question focuses on the how clinicians experience and interpret how cis-gendered adolescent gay men aged 13-18 relate to hegemonic masculinity in Canada. Secondary questions include, (1) How has this interpretation influenced your case conceptualisation of cis-gendered adolescent gay men aged 13-18? and (2) How has the construct of hegemonic masculinity influenced your view of cis-gendered adolescent gay men aged 13-18?

Specifics:
Study Population:
Licensed clinicians (psychologist, psychological associate, psychotherapist) living and working in Canada. Clinicians must have worked with adolescent gay men for 2+ years, but do not need to identify as LGBTQ2S+ themselves.

Participant Obligation:
Screening interview to determine eligibility. Eligible participants will be invited to a one-time 60-90 minute individual interview on Microsoft Teams to discuss their experiences, which will be audio recorded.

All participants who complete interviews will be provided with a $20 giftcard to Starbucks as a token of appreciation.

If interested in participating in this study, please contact the project lead at luke.hupton@mail.utoronto.ca.

Location: Online-Toronto

Project lead: Luke Hupton, Supervisor: Dr. Lisa Fiksenbaum

Study Dates: March 20, 2024 to December 20, 2024