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Sam comes
from solid middle class white background and relied heavily on his
father for financial resources and on his mother for emotional support.
Coming out as gay at 17 was a critical moment for Sam and on leaving
home for university he was able to enjoy a new sense of confidence and
explore his sexuality. His positive gay identity is central to his
story. Highly sociable and a natural networker, Sam embraced all the
gay community had to offer, became an active student union organiser
and embarked on his first serious relationship but, with so many
distractions, failed to complete his media degree. Returning to his
home town, Sam worked in a series of catering jobs (still financially
reliant on his father) while continuing to build social capital through
his own networking skills. Relationships were a driving force for Sam
and meeting his current partner and setting up home together brought
emotional and financial stability. He has returned to study and hopes
to start his own business. Attractiveness and personal charm have
smoothed Sam’s path and fun was often a priority. Nevertheless, he has
matured as a result of the experiences associated with coming out –
losing old friends and finding his place in the gay community – and may
well replicate a traditional middle class home life.
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