1. The Experience of Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and
Transgender Students
Theoretical Models of GLBT students.
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Identity Development
By: Evans, N. J.
Multicultural Issues in Student Affairs EDU 704
By: Chris jones

2. Theorist
Dr. Nancy J Evans: Professor in Higher Education at Iowa
State University.
* Doctorate – Missouri – Columbia Univ. (Counseling
Psychology)
* Disciplines – LGBT Issues, Student Theory, Social
Justice

3. Historical Overview
According to Brown (1995) – Initial Studies focused on
“Cause” to find a “Cure” for Homosexuality.
Essentialist – Argument was that Homosexuality has
always been here throughout man’s history.
Constructionist – Argue that Homosexuality is socially
constructed and changes over time.
Cass’s Theory Model (HID) 1979 – The most used and the
most complex.
D’Augelli Theory Model (HID) 1994 – Suggest that (HID)
is a process until adulthood.

4. Cass’s Model of
Homosexuality
Identity Formation
* Stage 1: Confusion – Individuals become aware
and starts to have thoughts and feelings.
* Stage 2: Comparison – The acceptance stage for
an individual that they might be gay.
* Stage 3: Tolerance – Individuals acknowledged
they are gay and seek help from others.

5. Cass’s Identity Stages
Continued
* Stage 4: Identity Acceptance – Connect with other
people like themselves. Depending on there comfort
level, an individual may choose to go public or stay in
seclusion.
* Stage 5: Identity Pride – Individuals focus on (GLB)
Issues. Often Minimize contact with heterosexuals.
* Stage 6: Identity Synthesis – Homosexuals and
Heterosexuals worlds join together and focus on
personal qualities and not sexual identity.

6. D’Augelli’s Identity
Development Process
* (6) – Interactive Processes
1. Exiting Heterosexuals – Recognizing one’s feelings
2. Developing a Personal (GLB) Identity Status
3. Developing a Social Identity – Networking with others
4. Becoming an (GLB) Offspring – Disclosing /
Confirming to others i.e. (parents)

7. D’Augelli’s Process
Continued
5. Developing (GLB) Intimacy – Often experienced in
college.
6. Entering a (GLB) Community – Taking Action within
society.

8. Bisexual Identity
Development
Theorist view Bisexualism: A stage between
heterosexual and being gay (Fox 1995)
(3) Stages of Bisexualism – Confusion, Finding, Labeling
Bisexuals – Not accepted by gays or heterosexuals
Bisexuals – Struggle with being gay or straight.
Bisexual – Women have an easier time with their sexual
orientation than men.

9. Future Direction
* Not many attempts have been made to validate
theories.
Cass’s Model – accepted because she has presented
instruments to prove her work.
* Further Research must be done in the area of
psychological and socialization differences between gay
men and women.
Transgender issues are starting to be discussed.