Gay, Lesbian &

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

● Received a Bachelor’s and Master’s 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)

● Cass’s 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.
Cass’s Model For Homosexual Identity Formation
● Stage 1- Identity Confusion
○ First awareness of homosexual
thoughts, feelings and attractions
● Stage 2- Identity Comparison
○ Accept possibility they might be gay
or lesbian, consider social
implications, seek information
● Stage 3- Identity Tolerance
○ Acknowledges that they are
probably gay or lesbian and seeks
other gay and lesbian people to
reduce feelings of isolation
● Stage 4- Identity Acceptance
○ Positive connotation with
homosexual identity, social
interactions with other gay and
lesbian people increase
● Stage 5- Identity Pride
○ Focus on gay issues and activism,
reduce contact with heterosexuals
● Stage 6- Identity Synthesis
○ Homosexual and heterosexual
worlds less dichotomized,
judgement based on personal
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
Identity
○ Recognizes that one's feelings and
attractions are not heterosexual
● Phase 2 - Developing a personal
GLB Identity Status
○ Challenges internalized myths about
what it means to be GLB
● Phase 3 - Developing a GLB
Social Identity
○ Creates a support network of people
that are accepting of your sexual
orientation
● Phase 4 - Becoming a GLB
Offspring
○ Coming out to one's
parents/guardians and redefining
those relationships
● Phase 5 - Developing a GLB
Intimacy
● Phase 6 - Entering a GLB
Community
○ Making varying degrees of social
and political commitment
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?