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Gay, Lesbian &

Bisexual Identity
Development Theory
Tasia Lima, Jazmin Ramirez & Dan
Dilling
Vivienne Cass

Received a Bachelors and Masters degree in


Psychology and her Ph.D. in Philosophy in 1986.
Currently the Director of Brightfire Press,
publishing sex education materials in Western
Australia.
Social psychological model of homosexual identity
formation published in 1979.
Synopsis of the Theory (Cass)

Casss Model of Homosexual Identity Formation is made up of 6 stages


The research is primarily based on data from Gay and Lesbian individuals,
but it is also applicable to Bisexual people as well.
Cass noted that homosexual identity varies from person to person and by
situation.
Casss Model For Homosexual Identity Formation
Stage 4- Identity Acceptance
Stage 1- Identity Confusion Positive connotation with
First awareness of homosexual homosexual identity, social
thoughts, feelings and attractions interactions with other gay and
Stage 2- Identity Comparison lesbian people increase
Accept possibility they might be gay Stage 5- Identity Pride
or lesbian, consider social Focus on gay issues and activism,
implications, seek information reduce contact with heterosexuals
Stage 3- Identity Tolerance Stage 6- Identity Synthesis
Acknowledges that they are Homosexual and heterosexual
probably gay or lesbian and seeks worlds less dichotomized,
other gay and lesbian people to judgement based on personal
reduce feelings of isolation qualities rather than homosexual
identity
Anthony R. D Augelli

In 1972, D Augelli received a Ph.D. in


Clinical/Community Psychology from UCONN.
Currently a professor of Human Development and an
Associate Staff Psychologist for the Center for
Counseling and Psychological Services at Penn
State University.
The Lifespan approach to GLB identity development,
a social constructionist model, published in 1994
Synopsis of the Theory (D Augelli)

Posed argument against the idea that identity development is formed in


sequential stages and that development continues throughout one's life.
(Processes)
D Augelli said that in order to develop a positive gay, lesbian, or bisexual
identity one would need to give up the sexual orientation assigned at birth
(straight)
This process is recognized to be a slow one due to the many barriers
ingrained in our culture.
D Augelli Identity Development Process
Phase 1- Exiting Heterosexual Phase 4 - Becoming a GLB
Identity Offspring
Recognizes that one's feelings and Coming out to one's
attractions are not heterosexual parents/guardians and redefining
Phase 2 - Developing a personal those relationships

GLB Identity Status Phase 5 - Developing a GLB


Challenges internalized myths about Intimacy
what it means to be GLB
Phase 3 - Developing a GLB Phase 6 - Entering a GLB
Social Identity Community
Creates a support network of people Making varying degrees of social
that are accepting of your sexual and political commitment
orientation
Applying as Student Affairs Practitioner

Important to be aware of issues facing GLB students at different stages of


development- i.e. parent/family relations, peer groups, intimate
relationships, career path, coming out to self and others, etc.
Recognize and work through own feelings about homosexuality and provide
a supportive environment for student self-exploration
Provide public lectures on human sexuality and sexual orientation, as well
as phone helplines
supports students in earliest stages of development
Normalize homosexuality by integrating curriculum about GLB issues
Applying as Student Affairs Practitioner

Establish GLB student organizations, discussion and/or support groups


Create professionally staffed GLB student centers that provide safe spaces
for students to explore their identity and associate with other GLB people
and allies
Ongoing staff training and professional development related to GLB issues,
and frequent review of policies and programming to ensure that they are
inclusive and equitable
Questions, Comments, Concerns?

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