Developmental Aspects of Sexuality

Sexuality, defined as physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of sexual development, undergoes many changes during the life cycle. Understanding these changes in the context of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) individuals is of interest because the dominant understanding of sexuality has tended to be heteronormative. This entry describes the developmental aspects of sexuality, beginning with infancy and closing with old age. Sexuality in general will be discussed, with emphasis on the sexuality and sexual orientation of individuals who identify as LGBQ.