Development of an LGBTQ Identity

Developing an understanding of one’s own sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is a complex and multidimensional developmental process. These aspects of one’s identity may be fixed across development, or they may be fluid. Understanding the role of identity development requires an appreciation of the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, which occur over the life course and influence development at each life stage.

Compared with only a decade ago, cultural changes over time have affected ...