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Developed in 1979 by Vivienne Cass, PhD

Could I be gay?

Who am I?

Possible reactions:

Choosing either -

Acceptance

Denial

or Rejection

Maybe I am a lesbian?

This is just a phase, right?

Possible reactions:

Isolation of self

Continue to pass as straight

While exploring Lesbian/Gay identity

Wow! I'm not the only one!

I need to meet other lesbian and gay people!

Possible reactions:

Seeking out gay & lesbian culture

Notices differences between self & straight people

I will be okay.

I accept myself and my sexual identity

Possible reaction:

Begins coming out to selective people

Maintaining less contact with straight people

I'm Coming OUT!

We're Here! We're Queer!

Possible reactions:

Gays & Lesbians = Good

Straight People = Not so Good

Seeking support solely from Lesbian & Gay community

Being a lesbian is just a part of me...

I am more than just my sexual identity

Possible reactions:

Begins to trust and connect with straight people

Intergrates their sexual identity with other identities

1. Model doesn't reflect current social realities

2. Model doesn't separate personal identity and

development as a member of the lesbian/gay community

3. Model lacks a strong research base to support it

4. Model doesn't reflect lesbian/gay people of color or bisexuals of multiple racial/ethnic backgrounds

Works Cited:

Title: Homosexual identity formation: Testing a theoretical model

Source: The Journal of sex research [0022-4499] Cass yr:1984 vol:20 iss:2 pg:143

Identity Tolerance

Identity Acceptance

With increasing commitment to a homosexual self-image, the individual seeks out the company of homosexuals in order to fulfill social, sexual, and emotional needs. There is a selectiveness about such contacts which are frequently seen as “necessary” rather than desirable. That is, there is a tolerance of the homosexual self-image rather than an acceptance of it.

Increased contact with the homosexual subculture encourages a more positive view of homosexuality and the gradual development of a network of homosexual friends. A philosophy of fitting into society, while also retaining a homosexual lifestyle, is adopted and entails the continued maintenance of a passing strategy (pretending heterosexuality) at pertinent times.

Identity Pride

Identity Comparison

This stage is characterized by feelings of pride towards one's homosexual identity and fierce loyalty to homosexuals as a group, who are seen as important and creditable while heterosexuals have become discredited and devalued. Anger about society's stigmatization of homosexuals leads to disclosure and purposeful confrontation with non homosexuals in order to promote the validity and equality of homosexuals.

Having accepted the potentiality of a homosexual identity, the individual is then faced with feelings of alienation as the difference between self and non homosexual others becomes clearer.

Cass' Homosexual Identity Model

Identity Synthesis

Identity Confusion

Individuals perceive that their behavior (actions, feelings, thoughts) may be defined as homosexual. This brings about considerable confusion and bewilderment, since previously held identities relating to sexual orientation are now questioned.

Positive contacts with non homosexuals help create an awareness of the rigidity and inaccuracy of dividing the world into good homosexuals and bad heterosexuals. Anger and pride associated with the previous stage are retained but in less emotional terms. A homosexual identity is no longer seen as overwhelmingly the identity by which an individual can be characterized. Individuals come to see themselves as people having many sides to their character, only one part of which is related to homosexuality. A lifestyle is developed in which the homosexual identity is no longer hidden, so that disclosure becomes a non-issue.

Critique

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