The Sexual Identity Development of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Other Sexual Minority Adults: Diverse Profiles and Their Sociodemographic Correlates

Sexual identity development (SID) varies for sexual minority individuals, but its scope and implications remain understudied. We examined trajectories or profiles of SID among sexual minority adults and investigated their sociodemographic associations, while being sensitive to sex differences and missing data. Our examination used a United States probability sample of three generations of cisgender sexual minority adults; assessed ages at attaining milestones of SID concerning same-sex attractions, sex with the same sex, realizing one is a sexual minority, and disclosure to others; and derived latent and observed profiles of SID milestones. SID occurred in adolescence or emerging adulthood for many, extended into the 30s and 40s for some, and was ongoing or incomplete for others. Although the order of unfolding milestones was similar for women and men, more SID profiles were observed for women and women began later and took longer to complete SID than men. SID was ongoing or incomplete for those reporting never having sex with the same sex or never disclosing to others, with more women than men reporting never having sex, and both women and men less likely to disclose to a family member than a heterosexual friend. SID profile membership differed by sexual self-identification, generation, ethnicity or race, education, and income. The findings suggest that SID generally begins in adolescence, but its unfolding varies. Future research should consider such diversity and investigate its implications for health, other adaptation, and development in other life areas, while being mindful of sex differences in SID.