ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of three models that trace developmental paths to gay and lesbian identification. They are paradigms of psychosexual growth and acculturation. Although they differ in some details, they have significant features in common: initial ambiguity, frequent questioning, disequilibrium, and information-seeking. In these regards they resemble other developmental patterns, like Jean Piaget's cognitive model. Unlike those processes, however, the route to a homosexual identity is fraught with shame, guilt, and avoidance. The human development perspective eliminates the normative formulations that diagnose late coming out or bisexuality as repression, confusion, or immaturity. Extremely gender-nonconforming boys who were referred to mental health professionals have been studied over the long term. They showed persistent interest in cross-dressing, playing with female dolls, and socializing with female peers. L. A. Lewis proposes a 5-stage model for lesbian identity formation: being different, dissonance, relationships, stable lesbian identity, and integration.
