Gay and lesbian identity development: a social identity perspective

This paper critically examines models of identity development from the perspective of social identity theory. It is argued that recent perspectives on homosexual identity development have focused upon psychological processes of the individual and that a shift toward a more social psychological perspective is required. Extant models of homosexual identity development and associated relevant evidence are described, and criticisms of these models are discussed. Next, social identity theory is outlined, illustrating how such an approach can address the criticisms of the dominant approach to gay and lesbian identity development. An extension of social identity theory is then offered in an attempt to explain some of the identities which homosexuals have developed in reaction to being members of an oppressed group.