Identity Synthesis Of Homosexual Identity And Social Identity

The individual becomes immersed in gay culture, attending meetings, rallies, and events, reading literature, and associating only with other gay individuals or “pro-gay” heterosexuals. Much pride is felt toward the lesbian and gay community, and anger is directed at the rest of society. At this point the individual is very likely to be out to most individuals. Cass suggests that if individuals routinely experience negative reactions when they disclose their gay identity, then they will likely remain in the fifth stage until finding a more positive environment. In the sixth and final stage, identity synthesis, the individual experiences more positive reactions from heterosexuals. The individual begins to change the “us vs. them” attitude previously held to greater acceptance of heterosexuals being allies. As these perceptions of the outside world change, the individual becomes more able to integrate his or her private and public identities and by doing so integrate his or her gay identity into an overall self concept. Now he or she is no longer “just gay” but is a variety of identities. Cass (1979) believes that it is not possible to find complete congruence for being homosexual since society has such …show more content…
This naturally could include other LGB individuals but also affirming heterosexual individuals. This is a critical process in that it provides a social system that supports an otherwise invisible and unappreciated component to that individual’s identity. Becoming a LGB offspring refers to reconnecting to the family of origin after any initial disruption that occurred when the sexual identity was first disclosed. Since the family typically goes through a series of adaptations as they cope with the sexuality of their son or daughter, the D’Augelli models suggests that much of the responsibility lies with the offspring (the LGB