Gay Identity Development

Gay Identity Development

Accepting a gay identity is a developmental process. The ability to affirm to gays’ sexual orientation is enhanced by Vivienne Cass model of homosexual identity and Anthony D’Augelli homosexual lifespan development model. Vivienne’s model outlines six stages of development which an individual has to achieve in order to get positive outcome. Anthony’s model is not a stage model. It therefore does not have specific process.

Adoption of gay identity requires and individual to identify whom he is. This stage is characterized by characterized feelings. The person begins to be conscious of the sexual feelings. It is however difficult for one to disclose the feeling to others. An individual either accept or reject the identity at these stage (Vrangalova & Savin 2012). In our case Jordan Goldwarg realized he was being attracted to men at an early age. At first, he could not accept the fact that he was a gay since he knew of no other gays around him. He later accepted the sexual orientation and moved on with life as a gay. It was however difficult to disclose it to others so he kept it to himself.

The individual then experiences identity comparison. This is mostly characterized by feelings in which one accepts the possibility of being a gay. One starts to grieve for the expected losses expended for embracing new identity. Jordan did not have such difficulties in thinking what people’s view would be if he told them. He knew he had supportive friends who could not abandon him. He also knew he could not lose his position in the team.

Identity tolerance is necessary to develop an identity. This enables one to come out publicly and make others aware of whom he is (Schwartz et al., 2013). An individual develops the confidence to come out to people and talk about the issue. This enables selective disclosure of the sexual behavior. One gets support in exploring the shame and finding groups with similar characteristics. After accepting the fact that he was a gay Jordan disclosed the issue to some of his friends. It was difficult for him to tell his closest friends since he was afraid of losing them. He later decides to go to his coach who supported him and helped him tell the fellow team members.

Identify acceptance of the sexual orientation enables disclosure. An individual gains confidence and is even seen with people of similar group. At this stage one deal with tension and no longer mind about society norms. After gaining confidence, Jordan knew he would get support even from his family.

Identity pride is developed and able to interact with the gay culture and rejects the non-gay individuals. One develops skills for coping with people’s reactions. Resist of being defensive of one’s identity develops at these stage (Vrangalova & Savin 2012). One is able to feel alright to integrate with others without defining space due to sexual orientation. Jordan accepted the identity and could enjoy his teammates making fun of the fact that he was a gay.

According to D’Augelli’s theory, key factors on developing identity include; personal subjectivities and actions which an individual take (Schwartz et al., 2013). The interactive intimacies; the influence of family members and peers also affect identity development. Jordan had family and friends support in his sexual orientation. The social historical connections such as norms and laws also affect identity development. In our case, Jordan was fully supported by the society around him and felt appreciated.

Gay identity development is enhanced through self acceptance. An individual’s act of adopting to the fact that he is a gay is a key step in achieving self identity. Opening out to others creates confidence in an individual. Support by others especially parents, peers and siblings is another key factor. If this is achieved, positive identity is developed.

References

Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., Luyckx, K., Meca, A., & Ritchie, R. A. (2013). Identity in emerging adulthood: Reviewing the field and looking forward. Emerging Adulthood, 1(2), 96-113. Retrieved from https://miami.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/identity-in-emerging-adulthood-reviewing-the-field-and-looking-fo

Vrangalova, Z., & Savin-Williams, R. C. (2012). Mostly heterosexual and mostly gay/lesbian: Evidence for new sexual orientation identities. Archives of sexual behavior, 41(1), 85-101. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-012-9921-y