Lesbian and Gay Adolescents: Identity Development

Lesbian and gay adolescents come from all racial and ethnic groups, all socioeconomic levels, and all religious denominations. They live in large cities, small towns, and rural communities. They are student leaders, athletes, and active members of civic groups, as well as school dropouts and street youth. For the most part, lesbian and gay adolescents are indistinguishable from their heterosexual peers -- in fact, most are invisible.

This article explores identity development among lesbian and gay youth, the "coming out" process, and the experience lesbian and gay youth may have with disclosing their sexuality.

Editor's Note: You might also be interested in our more recent issue "Creating Supportive Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth" published November, 2010.