Misperceived Public Attitudes Undermine Support for Sexual and Gender Identity Disclosure in Japan

Abstract Despite the well-documented negative consequences of concealing one’s sexual and gender identity for mental health, coming out remains a profoundly challenging experience for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) globally. What deters them from disclosing their identities? The underlying barriers are not fully understood, and evidence is particularly scarce in non-Western contexts. Given the critical role of perceived social support in shaping coming-out decisions, this study examined the psychological mechanisms that underlie support for coming out. We surveyed heterosexual and cisgender individuals in Japan (N = 370), a developed country where SGMs often encounter greater difficulties in coming out relative to other nations. Specifically, we investigated whether and how supportive attitudes toward coming out are influenced by attitudes toward SGMs, with particular attention to the role of pluralistic ignorance. Participants reported both their private attitudes and their perceptions of societal attitudes toward SGMs. Analyses revealed a consistent pattern of pluralistic ignorance: participants believed that their own attitudes were more positive than those of the general public. Crucially, this misperception was associated with reduced support for SGMs’ willingness to come out. These findings shed light on how social support for SGMs is psychologically constructed and suggest that correcting the misperception of societal norms may be key to promoting more inclusive and supportive behaviors.