Sexual Fluidity in a Malaysian Sample: A Case for the Presence of Facilitative Environments within a Restrictive Sociocultural and Political Landscape
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2023
Abstract
This study investigated sexual fluidity in attractions and subsequent fluidity in sexual identities, its associations with sexual orientation identity labels, and self-reported likelihood of future change in sexual identity labels in a sample of same-sex attracted Malaysian women and men. Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring sexual fluidity in attractions and sexual identity, sexual orientation identity labels and likelihood of future change in identity labels. Sexual fluidity in attractions was reported by 72% of women and 64% of men, with 44% of women and 38% of men reporting subsequent fluidity in sexual orientation identities. There were no significant gender differences observed in the frequency of sexual fluidity in attractions and change in sexual identity labels. There were also no significant gender differences in the self-reported likelihood of future change in sexual identity labels. Sexual fluidity was found to be associated with sexual identity labels representing non-exclusive sexual attractions for both men and women. Findings provide preliminary support for the presence of facilitative environments within a largely conservative and restrictive sociocultural and political landscape.
Keywords
Asia, Malaysia, sexuality, sexual fluidity, sexual identity, sexual orientation
Divisions
aei,GenderStudies
Publication Title
Journal of Homosexuality
Volume
70
Issue
14
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher Location
2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND