Gay Male Identity Development

This entry provides a summary of theory and research that have been occurring since the 1970s focused on sexual identity development in nonheterosexual populations. This theory and research have sought to explain and generalize how nonheterosexual populations develop their sexual identities. This entry particularly focuses on how gay men develop their sexual identities and describes methods for exploring gay male identity development. A discussion on the importance of language and categories when developing theories and models that are meant to generalize sexual identity development for gay men is provided. Furthermore, the entry discusses the usefulness of intersectional frameworks, which consider race, gender, class, culture, ability, and nationality, among others, to explore heterogeneity or differences within gay male populations. Finally, future directions in studying gay ...

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