Closeting: meaning, definitions and examples

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closeting

 

[หˆkloสŠzษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'closet' comes from the Latin word 'clausus', meaning 'closed'.
  • Originally, 'closeting' referred to physically shutting oneself away for privacy, evolving into hiding deeper personal truths.

Social Psychology

  • Research shows that hiding one's true identity can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation.
  • Coming out, or stepping out of the 'closet', is often linked to better mental health and personal acceptance.

Cultural Significance

  • In LGBTQ+ communities, 'closeting' is a significant term, tied to the struggles of acceptance and identity.
  • Cultural attitudes toward 'closeting' vary worldwide, with some societies being more open-minded than others, affecting individuals' choices.

Literature

  • Many novels explore themes of 'closeting', depicting characters who struggle with revealing their true selves.
  • Classic works, like those by Virginia Woolf, address societal pressure to conform, illustrating the pain of hiding one's identity.

History

  • Throughout history, many public figures have lived in 'closets', a stark contrast to todayโ€™s growing visibility of diverse identities.
  • The Stonewall Riots in 1969 were pivotal events in LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging many to step out of the closet openly.

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

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.