Özet:

In the turbulent and ambiguous chaos brought about by the Late Modern period, the issue of sexual identity deeply affects those who question their own. From in-group behavior to social development and the workplace, individuals tend to express their sexual identities indirectly. The main reasons for this situation stem from the existential of marginalization, suppression, and rejection. This study is based on the sample of interviews conducted in the Turkish city Karaman. In the study, semi-structured questions were asked to homosexual male individuals with the help of the interview technique, one of the qualitative research methods. 17 male homosexuals, aged between 20 and 35, participated in the study. The aim of the research is to understand how individuals struggle to display their identities in daily life and to discover the most difficult aspects of their social lives. In this way, this article is important in terms of creating social awareness by revealing the problems faced by homosexual individuals in their workplaces and daily life. A symbolic interactionist approach will be used in the background of the interpretation of the data obtained in the research. The main reason for choosing this theory is that individuals interpret their own reality based on their interactions with others and on how they use symbols in daily life. According to the results of the research, it was found that none of the individuals participating in the study were subjected to domestic violence, 5 of them were sexually assaulted around where they lived growing up, and 15 of them chose to conceal their identity. In the study, 12 of the participants reported being subject to intense pressure and criticism during their primary and secondary education years. In addition, it was observed that 12 individuals were under pressure in their social environment and as result received psychiatric treatment. Fear of losing their jobs, being excluded from their families and friends, and worrying about marriage in the future are among the reasons why the individuals participating in the study preferred to remain anonymous. 9 of the participants are working in the private sector and 8 of them are unemployed. In this study, all of the participants reported that they made friendships through social media and received support from people who share their sexual identities. They find relief by sharing their experiences on these platforms.

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