Communication Strategies of Bisexual Men in Mixed-Orientation Marriages in Malaysia

Mixed-orientation marriages (MOMs), where one partner identifies as a sexual minority, present complex relational and psychological challenges particularly within conservative, religiously governed societies such as Malaysia. Bisexual men in these marriages must negotiate their sexual identities while conforming to heteronormative expectations, religious norms, and cultural silence surrounding non-heterosexual orientations. This study investigates the communication strategies employed by bisexual men to manage their identities and sustain their marital relationships within such constraints. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 self-identified bisexual men in heterosexual marriages across multiple regions in Malaysia. Thematic analysis was guided by Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, which conceptualizes social life as a series of performances structured through frontstage and backstage dynamics. The findings reveal five key communication strategies: (i) concealment, (ii) non-verbal communication, (iii) conflict avoidance, (iv) selective disclosure, and (v) digital communication. These strategies serve as identity management tools through which informants balance personal authenticity with marital harmony in a high-stigma environment. This study contributes to scholarship on identity negotiation, communication, and LGBTQ+ experiences in non-Western contexts, while also extending Goffman’s dramaturgical theory into the domain of sexual identity concealment within traditional marital institutions. The findings underscore the emotional significance of digital platforms, the need for stigma-sensitive mental health services, and the importance of culturally responsive support for bisexual men navigating marriage under moral and legal scrutiny. Future research should include longitudinal inquiry and explore the perspectives of heterosexual spouses to provide a more holistic understanding of mixed-orientation marriages in Malaysia. Keywords: Communication strategies, mixed-orientation marriages, identity management, bisexual men, Malaysia.