Abstract

This study examined whether latent profiles could be identified based on the targets and levels of coming out among young sexual minority adults (LGBTQ+) living in South Korea, and whether the identified latent profiles differed in quality of life, workplace difficulties, depression, and other mental health-related variables. In addition, this study investigated whether internalized homophobia, time taken to accept their identity, and sense of connection to the LGBTQ+ community predicted latent profile membership. Using data from the 2021 Survey on Social Needs and Living Conditions of Young Sexual Minorities, latent profile analysis was conducted with a sample of 1,570 participants, resulting in the identification of five latent profiles. Internalized homophobia and community connectedness significantly predicted latent profile membership, whereas time taken to accept their identity did not show a significant effect. Furthermore, significant differences across latent profiles were found in depression, workplace difficulties, and subjective happiness; however, no significant differences were observed in overall quality of life. Notably, the fifth profile—characterized by selective disclosure to workplaces, mental health professionals, and medical providers (“workplace-professional disclosure type”)—exhibited the highest level of depression, while also reporting the highest level of subjective happiness and the lowest level of workplace difficulties. Based on these findings, implications for understanding coming out experiences and mental health among young sexual minorities in South Korea are discussed, along with the study’s limitations and directions for future research.