Abstract
The present investigation explored gender differences in sexual identity development—first same-sex attractions, self-labeling, same-sex sexual contact, and disclosure—among 164 sexual-minority young adults. Based on interviews, results indicated the value of assessing gender differences in the context, timing, spacing, and sequencing of sexual identity milestones. Adolescent males had an earlier onset of all milestones except disclosure. The context for sexual identity milestones were likely to be emotionally oriented for young women and sexually oriented for young men. The gap from first same-sex attractions (8–9 years of age) to first disclosure (around 18 years) averaged 10 years for both sexes. Young women followed label-first developmental trajectories; men were more likely to pursue sex before identifying themselves as gay. In terms of achieving sexual identity milestones, gender mattered, but it was not everything.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Bailey, J. M., Gaulin, S., Agyei, Y., and Gladue, B. A. (1994). Effects of gender and sexual orientation on evolutionarily relevant aspects of human mating psychology. J.Pers.Soc.Psych. 66:1081–1093.
Cohen, K. M., and Savin-Williams, R. C. (1996). Developmental perspectives on coming out to self and others. In Savin-Williams, R. C., and Cohen, K. M. (Eds.), The Lives of Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals: Children to Adults, Harcourt Brace College Publishing, FortWorth, TX, pp. 113–151.
D'Augelli, A. R. (1998). Victimization history and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths. Paper presented at the meetings of the Society for Research on Adolescence, San Diego,CA.
D'Augelli, A. R., and Hershberger, S. L. (1993). Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth in community settings: Personal challenges and mental health problems. Am.J.Comm.Psych. 21:421–448.
Diamond, L. M. (1998). Development of sexual orientation among adolescent and young adult women. Dev.Psych. 34: 1085–1095.
Diamond, L. M. (2000). Sexual identity, attractions, and behavior among young sexual-minoritywomen over a two-year period. Dev.Psych. 36:241–250.
Dub´e, E. M. (2000). Sexual identity and intimacy development among two cohorts of sexual minority men. J.Sex Res.
Dub´e, E. M., and Savin-Williams, R. C. (1999). Sexual identity development among ethnic sexualminority male youths. Dev.Psych. 35: 1389–1399.
Eliason, M. J. (1996a). An inclusive model of lesbian identity assumption. J.Gay, Lesbian, and Bisex.Identity 1:3–19.
Eliason, M. J. (1996b). Identity formation for lesbian, bisexual, and gay persons: Beyond a “minoritizing” view. J.Homosexual. 30:31–58.
Golden, C. (1996). What's in a name? Sexual self-identification among women. In Savin-Williams, R. C., and Cohen, K. M. (Eds.), The Lives of Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals: Children to Adults, Harcourt Brace College Publishing, Fort Worth, TX, pp. 229–249.
Herdt, G., and Boxer, A. M. (1993). Children of Horizons: How Gay and Lesbian Teens are Leading a New Way Out of the Closet, Beacon Press, Boston.
Kirkpatrick, M., and Morgan, C. (1980). Psychodynamic psychotherapy of female homosexuality. In Marmor, J. (Ed.), Homosexual Behavior: A Modern Reappraisal, Basic Books, New York, pp. 357–375.
McClintock, M. K., and Herdt, G. (1996). Rethinking puberty:The development of sexual attraction. Curr.Direc.Psychol.Sci. 5:178–183.
McConnell, J. H. (1994). Lesbian and gay male identities as paradigms. In Archer, S. L. (Ed.), Interventions for Adolescent Identity Development, Sage, Thousand Oaks, pp. 103–118.
Morris, J. F. (1997). Lesbian coming out as a multidimensional process. J.Homosexual. 33: 1–22.
Peplau, L. A., Garnets, L. D., Spalding, L. R., Conley, T. D., and Veniegas, R. C. (1998). A critique of Bem's “Exotic Becomes Erotic” theory of sexual orientation. Psychol.Rev., 105:387–394.
Rosario, M., Rotheram-Borus, M. J., and Reid, H. (1996). Gay-related stress and its correlates among gay and bisexual male adolescents of predominantly Black and Hispanic background. J.Community Psych. 24: 136–159.
Rust, P. C. (1995). Bisexuality and the Challenge to Lesbian Politics: Sex, Loyalty, and Revolution, New York University Press, New York.
Saghir, M. T., and Robins, E. (1980). Clinical aspects of female homosexuality. In Marmor, J. (Ed.), Homosexual Behavior: A Modern Reappraisal, Basic Books, New York, pp. 280–295.
Savin-Williams, R. C. (1998). ...And Then I Became Gay”: Young Men's Stories, Routledge, New York.
Udry, J. R. (1990). Hormonal and social determinants of adolescent sexual initiation. In Bancroft, J., and Reinisch, J. M. (Eds.), Adolescence and Puberty, Oxford University Press, New York,pp. 70–87.
Udry, J. R., and Billy, J. O. G. (1987). Initiation of coitus in early adolescence. Am.Sociol.Rev. 52:841–855.
Udry, J. R., Billy, J. O. G., Morris, N. M., Groff, T. R., and Raj, M. H. (1985). Serum androgenic hormones motivate sexual behavior in adolescent boys. Fertility and Sterility, 43: 90–94.
Udry, J. R., Talbert, L. M., and Morris, N. M. (1986). Biosocial foundations for adolescent female sexuality. Demography, 23: 217–230.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Savin-Williams, R.C., Diamond, L.M. Sexual Identity Trajectories Among Sexual-Minority Youths: Gender Comparisons. Arch Sex Behav 29, 607–627 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002058505138
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002058505138