A Qualitative Exploration of Family Estrangement Among LGBTQIA+ Youth in India

Family socialization is a dynamic process that shapes the well-being and identity development of LGBTQIA+ individuals. While existing literature primarily examines family-initiated estrangement, there remains a dearth of studies analyzing how queer individuals themselves initiate estrangement from their families, particularly in the Indian context. The present study explores the lived experiences of queer adults (ages 18–30) in India who are navigating emotional distance or estrangement from their families. This study adopts a qualitative methodology. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen Indian queer adults. A six-step approach to thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The findings revealed six key themes: (a) disclosure, (b) post-disclosure conflicts: the initial ruptures, (c) non-disclosure related struggles and resulting distance, (d) catalysts for weakening of bonds, (e) final cut-off: the gradual process, and (f) consequences of emotional estrangement. Results indicate that emotional detachment occurred in stages, with some individuals engaging in preparatory strategies to mitigate negative psychological impacts. Additionally, the role of disclosure and childhood trauma in shaping estrangement trajectories is discussed. The broader repercussions of estrangement on mental health and social belonging are highlighted.家庭社会化是一项动态过程，对性少数群体（LGBTQIA+）个体的福祉与身份发展具有塑造作用。现有学术文献多聚焦于家庭主动引发的关系疏远，但针对酷儿个体主动与家庭产生疏远的相关研究仍较为匮乏，尤以印度语境下的相关研究为甚。本研究针对印度18至30岁的酷儿成年群体展开，探究其在与家庭相处过程中经历情感隔阂或关系疏远的亲身经历。本研究采用定性研究方法（qualitative methodology），通过对15名印度酷儿成年人开展半结构化访谈（semi-structured interviews）收集数据，并采用六步主题分析法（thematic analysis）对质性数据（qualitative data）进行分析。研究结果共提炼出六大核心主题：（a）出柜（disclosure）；（b）出柜后冲突：初始关系破裂；（c）未出柜相关困境与由此产生的情感距离；（d）情感联结弱化的催化剂；（e）最终断联：渐进式过程；（f）情感疏远的后果。研究结果显示，情感疏离的产生具有阶段性特征，部分个体还会采取预备性策略以缓解负面心理影响。此外，本研究还探讨了出柜与童年创伤在塑造关系疏远轨迹中的作用，并着重强调了情感疏远对个体心理健康与社会归属感的广泛影响。