Sexual identity trajectories among sexual-minority youths: gender comparisons

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 co...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of sexual behavior 2000-12, Vol.29 (6), p.607-627
Main Authors: Savin-Williams, R C, Diamond, L M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Developmental Stages
Female
Gays & lesbians
Gender
Gender Identity
Humans
Male
Minority Groups - psychology
Psychosexual Development - physiology
Sex Differences
Sex Role Identity
Sex Role Orientations
Sexual behavior
Sexual Behavior - psychology
Sexuality
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adults
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:0004-0002
1573-2800
DOI:10.1023/A:1002058505138