Six Stages of Homosexual Identity Formation

If you are gay, lesbian or bisexual, in which "stage" do you "fit" below?  If you're "questioning", do you see yourself in any of the stages below?  Maybe you do or maybe you don't.  Either way, that's okay.  That's why we're here -- to help you with your questions.

Stage 1:  Identity Confusion

This stage is marked by a "conscious awareness that homosexuality has relevance" to the individual and his or her behavior.

The individual admits the possibility of his or her homosexuality and "can now examine the wider implications of that tentative commitment."

This stage is characterized by an increased commitment to the possibility of being gay/lesbian, commonly expressed in statement, "I probably am a homosexual."

This stage is characterized by continued, increasing contacts with other homosexuals.  The person now accepts rather than tolerates a homosexual self-image or identity.

The individual uses strategies to revalue homosexual others more positively.

The individual sees both the good and bad in other homosexuals.  Homosexuality is integrated with other aspects of self.

Reprinted from Flagstaff Arizona's Rainbow Newsletter