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Passing as resistance through a Goffmanian approach: Normalized, defensive, strategic, and instrumental passing when LGBTQ+ individuals encounter institutions

Author

Listed:
  • Mustafa F. Ozbilgin
  • Cihat Erbil
  • Sibel Baykut
  • Rifat Kamasak

Abstract

Passing and coming out are two divergent individual strategies historically associated with the LGBTQ+ community as they struggle to fit in with normative expectations at work and in life. While coming out has gradually become more common in organizations and national contexts that offer safeguards for LGBTQ+ individuals, passing remains an option where no such measures are available. Drawing on interviews with working‐class LGBTQ+ individuals in a country with an adversarial context, that is, Turkey, we identify how varieties of passing, defined as acting and appearing to fit with the dominant sexual orientation and gender identity norms, are used as strategies of coping with institutional norms. Working‐class LGBTQ+ individuals are an important group to study as many draw their pride, power, and identity from their engagement with work and the labor market. Transcending the monolithic accounts of passing, we illustrate four variants of passing (i.e., normalized, defensive, strategic, and instrumental passing) that LGBTQ+ individuals deploy at work. Reflecting on the field study findings, we explicate how and why LGBTQ+ individuals choose to pass at work in each case.

Suggested Citation

  • Mustafa F. Ozbilgin & Cihat Erbil & Sibel Baykut & Rifat Kamasak, 2023. "Passing as resistance through a Goffmanian approach: Normalized, defensive, strategic, and instrumental passing when LGBTQ+ individuals encounter institutions," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(3), pages 862-880, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:30:y:2023:i:3:p:862-880
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12928
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Mustafa Bilgehan Ozturk & Nick Rumens & Ahu Tatli, 2020. "Age, sexuality and hegemonic masculinity: Exploring older gay men’s masculinity practices at work," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 1253-1268, November.
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    2. Aycan, Zeynep & Özbilgin, Mustafa & Moraligil, Bahar & Epitropaki, Olga, 2024. "Reluctance to lead: Conceptualization and contextualization," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 42(4), pages 437-444.
    3. Katarzyna Gajek, 2025. "Stigma Protection. Parents Supporting the Well-being of Transgender/Non-binary Children," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 18(2), pages 695-718, April.

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