LGBTQ+ people and people from ethnic minorities may also mask to avoid experiences of homophobia or racism.

This might instead be called “code-switching.”

This can include masking, but is more about changing communication style, or “code” between different social groups.

For example: 

  • Dressing differently for work than how you dress at home alone
  • Speaking differently to parents than friends
  • Using different slang or in jokes with different groups of friends or colleagues.