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Closeting: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒˆ
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closeting

 

[ หˆkloสŠzษชtษชล‹ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

LGBTQ+ identity

Closeting refers to the act of hiding one's sexual orientation or gender identity from others, often to avoid discrimination or social stigma. It is commonly associated with LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel pressure to conform to societal norms. The process of closeting can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, as individuals struggle with their identity in environments that may not be accepting. Conversely, 'coming out' is the process of revealing one's true identity after a period of closeting. The term can also apply to any situation where someone's true self or beliefs are kept secret for fear of negative consequences.

Synonyms

concealment, hiding, suppression

Examples of usage

  • Many individuals go through a period of closeting before they feel comfortable being open about their identity.
  • The pressure of closeting can result in significant emotional distress for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Supportive environments can help reduce the prevalence of closeting among young adults.
  • Closeting is often a personal decision influenced by one's family, community, and cultural background.

Translations

Translations of the word "closeting" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น armรกrio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฒเฅ‹เคœเคผเฅ‡เคŸเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schrank

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lemari

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะฐั„ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szafa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฏใƒญใƒผใ‚ผใƒƒใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท placard

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ armario

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dolap

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜ท์žฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุฒุงู†ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skล™รญลˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ skriลˆa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่กฃๆŸœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ omara

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skรกpur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะบะฐั„

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒšแƒ›แƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸifrษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ closet

Etymology

The term 'closeting' originates from the concept of a 'closet', which historically denotes a small room or space for storing valuables or belongings. The metaphorical use of 'closet' to refer to one's private life, particularly regarding sexual orientation, gained traction in the late 20th century amidst the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The act of keeping one's sexual identity hidden became known as 'closeting', emphasizing the struggle individuals face in reconciling their true selves with societal expectations. The rise of LGBTQ+ activism and visibility in the 1970s and onwards brought greater awareness to issues surrounding gender and sexuality, further popularizing the term. As societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals has grown, the dialogue around closeting and the importance of coming out has become increasingly prominent in discussions about identity and social acceptance, influencing both personal and collective experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,126, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.