Models of LGBT identity development and coming out (Reading)

Over the years, researchers have developed various theoretical models regarding sexual orientation and gender identity development, including:

• stage models (for example Cass, Fassinger, Savin-Williams, Troiden) that assume linear progression from lack of awareness of sexual orientation, through immersion in identity, to integration of identity;
• life span and other nonlinear models (D’Augelli, Fox, Klein, Rhoads) that focus on specific processes of identity development within sociocultural and life span context;
• diverse perspectives on sexual orientation and gender identity development (Boykin, L. S. Brown, Clare, Diaz, Raffo, Wilson) that describe LGBT identity and development in relation to other psychosocial identities (gender, race, culture, class, ability, and so on).

Models of sexual orientation (LGB) identity development

One of the first models of sexual orientation identity development was developed by Vivian Cass (1979). It is a six-stage model that describes the developmental process that individuals go through as they consider and then acquire their identity as a lesbian, gay or bisexual person.

• Stage 1 – Identity Confusion: The person begins to wonder whether they might be LGB. With many different thoughts and feelings, one may experience denial and confusion.
• Stage 2 – Identity Comparison: The person accepts the possibility that they might be LGB, and face the social isolation that can occur with this new identity.
• Stage 3 – Identity Tolerance: The person experiences increased acceptance of the probability of their LGB identity, and comes to tolerate this identity a little bit more. Although confusion and distress might decrease at this stage, the person may feel isolation and alienation as their self-concept becomes increasingly different from societal expectations and norm. In this stage, the person often begins to make contacts with other LGB persons.
• Stage 4 – Identity Acceptance: The person has managed to resolve most questions concerning their sexual identity, to accepts themselves as a lesbian, gay, bisexual person, and they are increasing their contact with the LGB community.
• Stage 5 – Identity Pride: The person begins to feel proud of being part of the LGB community and immerses themselves into LGB culture. In turn, they have less contact with the heterosexual groups: sometimes they may feel angry toward these people or even reject them.
• Stage 6 – Identity Synthesis: The person integrates their sexual identity with other aspects of it, and sexual orientation becomes only an aspect of their sense of self. The intensity of emotions that have emerged through the process (anger, pride, etc.) may decrease, and they can be teir true selves in both LGB and heterosexual communities. The person feels more congruence between their public and private self.

The main issue with Cass’s model is its description of the stages as fixed,  but today we understand sexual identity development as a more dynamic and fluid process. Therefore the other model to introduce to your participants can be Dillon’s more recent (2011) multidimensional model, which includes individual and social aspects as well. He describes 5 phases that are non-linear and flexible:

• Compulsory heterosexuality
• Active exploration
• Diffusion
• Deepening and commitment
• Synthesis

Dillon, Worthington, Moradi, B. (2011). Sexual identity as a universal process. Link to paper here.

Models of gender identity (T) development

Coming to recognize oneself as gender-variant or transgender person involves stages of exploration and analysis on both interpersonal and intrapersonal levels over the course of many years. Considering usually multiple minority statuses of transgender people, their special challenges due to the transition process, Aaron Devor (2008) describes his model of transgender identity development that encompasses 14 possible identity stages until complete surgical gender reassignment. It is important to emphasize constantly that not all transgender people want or have access to the entire transition process due to various reasons: their residence, financial reasons, medical conditions etc. The stages in this model describe a process that is a little bit similar to what we see in Cass’s sexual orintation identity development model:

• There are stages, where confusion is dominant
• There can be stages where comparison to others with the identity is present
• Tolerance of gender identity can come before acceptance of it

Amongst many differences an important one is the possibility of a gender affirmation/transition process, which in itself is a journey: the acceptance and integration of the post-transition gender identity can be  a long process too.

Pinto and Moleiro’s model of transgender identity (2015) does not pathologize trans identities, defining five stages of transitioning, regardless of age related experiences.

• This model starts with the stage of confusion, followed by the need to define one’s self, seeking for an explanation.
• The second stage is exploring, realising that sex assigned at birth does not match their experience of it.
• Third is the revision of transition options, fourth is embracing their identity and the chosen way of transitioning. The last stage is to integrate the trans identity to be a part of the self.

In general, one′s experience of mind-body dissonance is the starting element: this realisation comes early in childhood that their experiences and impression of their gender do not match with their physical bodies. Puberty can be an upsetting experience, where the bodily changes can lead to negative feelings towards one’s body, especially when it comes to the changes of the female body with the development of secondary sex characteristics and the onset of menstruation. The feeling of dissonance moreover can be visible in feelings towards dressing expectations (dressing is an explicit way of gender expression), and also regarding activities. In the absence of support the feelings of dissonance are repressed or at least hidden, even until early adulthood. Starting the process of transition – which can mean any form of transition that is found suitable by the individual – is considered the breaking point by this model, when the individuals start to accept and live by their gender identity.