Concealable Stigma and Leisure Travel Motivation: The Case of Sexual Minority Adults at a Seasonal-home Campground

Abstract

Sexual minorities experience more stress than the general population, which contributes to negative mental and physical health outcomes. This minority stress is a result living and working in social environments that do not accept homosexuality. In an attempt to avoid stressful situations, some sexual minorities try to conceal their sexual identity to various degrees in their everyday lives; however, this behaviour causes additional distress and becomes an even greater barrier to one’s well-being. One way to manage this stress is to participate in recreational activities in the company of other sexual minorities. In this way, leisure travel can be used as a coping mechanism for minority stress. The findings of this study bridge a gap between research on travel motivation, concealable stigma and stress coping. The aim of this study is not simply to list the travel motivations (such as escape, relaxation and socializing), but rather to uncover the meanings behind these motivations.