Behind the Mask: Identity Management of Bisexual Cisgender Men in Mixed-Orientation Marriages in Malaysia

This study explores how bisexual cisgender men in Malaysia manage their sexual identities within mixed-orientation marriages to heterosexual women. Situated within a socio-religious context that emphasizes heteronormativity and family preservation, these men often conceal their sexual orientation to fulfill cultural and marital expectations. Drawing on Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, the study examines how participants strategically perform dual identities, publicly conforming to heterosexual norms though privately navigating their authentic selves. A qualitative approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with fifteen bisexual cisgender men currently in mixed-orientation marriages. Thematic analysis identified three core strategies: compartmentalization, selective disclosure, and emotional distancing. These strategies enable participants to manage tensions between societal expectations and personal identity, but often come at a high emotional cost, including chronic stress, internalized stigma, and diminished marital intimacy. This study contributes to the sociology of marriage and sexuality by highlighting how bisexual men in conservative societies negotiate identity, relational roles, and marital stability. It further underscores the need for culturally sensitive mental health support, legal reforms, and greater institutional visibility for bisexual individuals.